In a lab experiment, we ran up stairs and figured out our power by calculating work done divided by the time it took. Work=gravitational potential energy. The question is...is this a true measure of your body power?
2007-10-22 17:09:01 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Wouldn't true power be the amount of calories burned divided by time?
2007-10-22 17:25:09 · update #1
partially, but there are other ways to measure it as well
2007-10-22 17:22:01 · answer #1 · answered by Experto Credo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What do you mean by body power? How much energy does it require as an engine to operate? That's in the range of 2000 calories per day, even if it does no physical work. You could also calculate the (simple physics definition) work done by lifting your body against gravity for the distance of the staircase. A bicycle would be a better measure, since you burn calories to just move your legs, even if you don't climb.
Mental power is entirely different.
2007-10-22 18:31:14 · answer #2 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but it certainly can cause heart attacks or strokes in those with serious amounts of internal inflammation.
I would think that anaerobic exercise would be a better measure of body power, since aerobic exercise includes too many additional factors.
So, next time, lift weights or push against resistance.
2007-10-22 17:16:02 · answer #3 · answered by nora22000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
basically, it's a simple way. all you need for an equasion like this is the other parts of the formula, like "work done". if you know what work is done there than yes, it will measure your body power.
however, power doesn't mean fitness, and in this regards your true capability in power might be hindered by breathlessness. but it's a simple way to get a reasonable answer for comparison. and to teach the formula
2007-10-22 17:13:54 · answer #4 · answered by merow42 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
running up stairs isn't a true measure of body power at all. Sure, it shows how much strength you have in your legs, but not in your body. I can run up stairs fast one day and then slow the other day. But dragging a big log using your upper body and lower body is a more precise measure of your 'body power'.
2007-10-22 17:13:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't really think so you would have to do other tests to make sure. I think that a cardiovascular test would be most accurate
2007-10-22 17:11:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋