/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 65 The power of the human heart. Th... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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The power of the human heart. The human heart is a powerful and extremely reliable pump. Each day it takes in and discharges about \(7500 \mathrm{~L}\) of blood. Assume that the work done by the heart is equal to the work required to lift that amount of blood a height equal to that of the average American female, approximately \(1.63 \mathrm{~m} .\) The density of blood is \(1050 \mathrm{~kg} / \mathrm{m}^{3} .\) (a) How much work does the heart do in a day? (b) What is the heart's power output in watts? (c) In fact, the heart puts out more power than you found in part (b). Why? What other forms of energy does it give the blood?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The heart does approximately 126,000 J of work daily with a power output of about 1.46 W. It also gives blood pressure and kinetic energy.

Step by step solution

01

Convert Volume to Mass

First, calculate the mass of the blood that the heart pumps each day. We know the volume of blood is \(7500 \text{ L}\) and the density of blood is \(1050 \text{ kg/m}^3\). Convert the volume to cubic meters: \(7500 \text{ L} = 7.5 \text{ m}^3\). Now use the formula for mass: \( \text{mass} = \text{volume} \times \text{density} = 7.5 \times 1050 = 7875 \text{ kg} \).
02

Calculate Work Done

Use the formula for work done to lift an object: \(W = mgh\), where \(m\) is mass, \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity \(9.81 \text{ m/s}^2\), and \(h\) is height. Substitute in the known values: \( W = 7875 \times 9.81 \times 1.63 \). Calculate this to find \( W = 126,000 \text{ J} \) (approximately).
03

Calculate Power Output

Power is the rate of doing work. Use the formula for power: \( P = \frac{W}{t} \), where \(t\) is time in seconds (one day = 86400 seconds). Substitute the values: \( P = \frac{126,000}{86400} \approx 1.46 \text{ W} \).
04

Consider Additional Energy Forms

The heart does more than just lift the blood. It also gives the blood kinetic energy, since it is propelled through the circulatory system, and pressure energy due to the blood being pressurized to circulate through the body.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Work Done by Heart
The work done by the heart each day can be thought of as the energy required to move a massive quantity of blood against the force of gravity. Since we assume the heart lifts the blood a certain height with each heartbeat, we use the formula for work: - \( W = mgh \), where:
  • \(m\) is mass in kilograms,
  • \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity \(9.81 \text{ m/s}^2\), and
  • \(h\) is the height the blood is lifted.
To calculate the total work done in a day, we need the mass of the blood, which we derive from its volume and density. The amount of work comes out to be a significant quantity, illustrating just how vital and energetically demanding our heart’s job is, at approximately 126,000 joules each day.
Blood Density
Blood density is a measure of how much mass of blood is contained in a given volume. For human blood, this is typically about \(1050 \text{ kg/m}^3\). This property is crucial in medicine and science because it affects how blood circulates through our body systems.Understanding blood density is essential for calculating the force and pressure necessary to move blood throughout the circulatory system. It also allows scientists to know how different conditions or substances may change the behavior of blood flow, affecting overall cardiovascular health. Recognizing that higher or lower blood density can impact how the heart functions offers insights into optimizing conditions for health and treatment.
Power Output
The power output of the heart is the amount of work it does in a given time. Power is mathematically defined by the equation:- \( P = \frac{W}{t} \), where:
  • \(W\) is the work done, and
  • \(t\) is time in seconds.
In this exercise, the heart's power output was calculated over a 24-hour period (86,400 seconds) yielding approximately \(1.46 \text{ W}\). While this calculated value seems small, it’s important to remember that the heart is doing this continuously every second of every day. The heart's incredible efficiency allows it to sustain this power output without interruption for decades.
Kinetic Energy of Blood
The heart not only performs work by lifting blood to a certain height but also imparts kinetic energy to it. This kinetic energy refers to the energy blood possesses due to its motion as it is propelled through the vessels. The kinetic energy of blood is particularly important because it helps ensure that blood reaches all parts of the body efficiently, supplying oxygen and nutrients where needed. Without the velocity imparted by the heart, blood would not circulate effectively, leading to failure in delivering essential components that keep tissues alive and functioning.
Pressure Energy in Circulatory System
Pressure energy in the circulatory system is another form of energy the heart imparts to the blood. This energy comes into play as the heart contracts, creating pressure that moves blood through a vast network of arteries and veins. This pressure is crucial because it ensures that blood can circulate even to distant parts of the body, such as the feet or fingertips. The dynamic nature of pressure helps in the regulation of blood flow, maintenance of blood pressure, and in adapting to different physiological demands like exercise or rest. Understanding the balance and distribution of pressure energy is vital for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular issues efficiently.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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