Question

The metabolism of glucose, C6H12O6, yields carbon dioxide, CO2(g), and water, H2O(l), as products. Energy released in this metabolic process is converted to useful work, w, with about 68.0 % efficiency. Use the data below to answer questions about the metabolism of glucose.

Substance ΔH∘f (kJ/mol)

CO2(g) −393.5

C6H12O6(s) −1273.3

H2O(l) −285.8

O2(g) 0

Calculate the mass of glucose metabolized by a 72.2 kg person in climbing a mountain with an elevation gain of 1210 m . Assume that the work performed in the climb is four times that required to simply lift 72.2 kg by 1210 m .

Answer 1

When a 72.2 kg person climbs a mountain with an elevation gain of 1210 m, the work done is

However the work performed is four times that required to simply lift 72.2 kg by 1210 m.

Hence, the actual work performed is .......(1)

However efficiency is only 68.0 %.

Hence, energy usefyl as work obtained during combustion of 1 mole (180 g) of glucose is ......(2)

Hence, the mass of glucose metabolized can be obtained by dividng (1) with (2) and multiplying with 180.

It is