MEASURING HUMAN METABOLISM
Uploaded by Monroe77 on May 04, 2015
MEASURING HUMAN METABOLISM
NV Report
Introduction
Research question:
The purpose of this experiment is to determine how much power is released from a human while at rest.
Hypothesis:
The human body releases heat to its surroundings – even while rested. This phenomenon can be used to figure out the energy usage of a human.
Theory:
The normal processes happening in the human’s body end up in form of heat. This means it is possible to isolate the human inside a box where the temperature inside is measured as well as being aware of the humidity level, as it is a natural part of the human body to breathe out water as gas.
The human will slowly generate power outside to his surroundings (which, in this case, is a box) until the surrounding temperature reaches a constant value. This means that a thermal equilibrium has been achieved, which literally means that the temperature inside and around the human are balanced.
The relationship between the change of temperature in the box and the power given off by the person is determined by placing electric bulbs of known power (60W, 100W and 150W) in the box.
Methodology
Equipment: Thermometer, Hygrometer, a person, 3 different light bulbs (60W, 100W and 150W), An isolated box (big enough to fit a person),
Procedure:
In these experiments, I worked in a group consisting of four people.
Experiment 1 (light bulb 60W):
I had the experiment set up in advance. In the experiment I was set to do, I started by connecting a light bulb of 60W onto the roof of the box. I also made sure that the light bulb was turned on but not plugged in. The wire was outside the box.
I used the thermometer to measure the temperature in the box when 0W is released and noted the result.
I locked off the entrance to the box so it was more or less airtight and plugged in the light bulb. I then started a timer – though this is not necessary and is solely to keep track of time spent.
Around the time where the temperature only increased slightly (47 minutes), I stopped the experiment and stopped the timer. I read off the new temperature from the thermometer and noted it.
Experiment 2 (human):
First off, I waited until the temperature inside the box had cooled down and reached the room temperature, as the warmth from the first experiment was still present.
A friendly group mate volunteered to enter the box. Then I...