How much heat per second does a runner gain just from radiation?

In summary, a runner of mass 68kg and surface area 1.85m^2 produces energy at a rate of up to 1300 W while jogging strenuously. 80% of this energy is converted to heat, and at high levels of activity, the skin's temperature can be elevated to 33C. To get rid of this extra heat, the body must evaporate water through sweating. In terms of heat production, (a) the runner produces 1040W and (b) gains 87.1W through radiation from the environment when the air temperature is 40C. However, the correct answer for (b) is 1008W, indicating a gain of 87.1W.
  • #1
JustinLiang
81
0

Homework Statement


When jogging strenuously, an average runner of mass 68kg and surface area 1.85m^2 produces energy at a rate of up to 1300 W, 80% of which is converted to heat. The jogger radiates heat, but actually absorbs more from the hot air than he radiates away. At such high levels of activity, the skin's temperature can be elevated to around 33C instead of the usual 30C. (We shall neglect conduction) The only way for the body to get rid of this extra heat is by evaporating water (sweating). (a) How much heat per second is produced just by the act of jogging? (b) How much net heat per second does the runner gain just from radiation if the air temperature is 40C? (Remember that he radiates out, but the environment radiates back in.)


Homework Equations


P=σeAT^4

The Attempt at a Solution


(a) This one is easy, just multiply 1300W by 0.8 which gets me 1040W.
(b) Given P=σeAT^4, I solved for the heat per second radiated into the body by the air (I am pretty sure emissivity is 1, it didn't specify...):
P=(5.6704x10^-8)(1)(1.85m^2)(273.15K+40K)^4
=1008.777W

Clearly this is wrong because 1008.777-1040 gives you a loss of heat? The answer suggests there is a gain of 87.1W.

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
1040W is the total power output from the person, so this includes power output via sweating. Part b requires only the power output due to radiation, so you need to calculate this.
 
  • #3
BruceW said:
1040W is the total power output from the person, so this includes power output via sweating. Part b requires only the power output due to radiation, so you need to calculate this.

In that case I get 1008W, but the answer is 87.1W?
 
  • #4
bump...
 
  • #5


As a scientist, it is important to carefully consider all factors when solving a problem. In this case, while the runner does radiate heat outwards, they also absorb heat from the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to account for both the radiated heat from the runner and the radiated heat from the environment in order to determine the net heat gained from radiation.

To do this, we can use the equation P = σeA(T^4-Tenv^4), where Tenv is the temperature of the environment in Kelvin. Plugging in the values given, we get:

P = (5.6704x10^-8)(1)(1.85m^2)((306.15K)^4-(313.15K)^4) = 87.1W

This is the net heat gained from radiation, taking into account both the runner's radiated heat and the heat absorbed from the environment. It is important to consider all factors and use the correct equations when solving scientific problems.
 

1. How is heat gained through radiation?

Heat can be gained through radiation when an object absorbs energy from electromagnetic waves. This energy is then converted into thermal energy, which increases the temperature of the object.

2. What factors affect the amount of heat gained through radiation while running?

The amount of heat gained through radiation while running is affected by several factors, including the distance and intensity of the run, the surface temperature of the environment, and the runner's clothing and skin color.

3. How much heat per second does a runner typically gain from radiation?

The amount of heat gained through radiation while running varies depending on the factors mentioned above. On average, a runner can gain anywhere from 50-100 watts of thermal energy per second from radiation alone.

4. Can heat gained from radiation be harmful to a runner's health?

In most cases, the amount of heat gained through radiation while running is not harmful to a runner's health. However, if the runner is already in a hot environment and their body cannot dissipate the additional heat gained, it can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

5. How can a runner minimize the amount of heat gained through radiation?

A runner can minimize the amount of heat gained through radiation by wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that reflects the sun's rays, staying hydrated, and running in the early morning or late evening when the sun's radiation is not as intense.

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