Approximately what mass of ATP is required to raise the temperature of a person weighing 60 kg from room temperature, 25°C, to normal body temperature, 37°C?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To raise the temperature of a person from 25°C to 37°C, a rise of 12°C is required. The specific heat capacity of a human being is approximately 3.5 J/g°C. Using the formula q=mcΔT, where q is the heat energy required, m is the mass, c is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature, we can calculate the energy required.

q = (60 kg) (3.5 J/g°C) (12°C) = 2520 J

One molecule of ATP releases approximately 7.3 kcal/mol (or 30.5 kJ/mol) of energy when hydrolyzed. Therefore, the number of moles of ATP required can be found by dividing the energy required by the energy released per ATP molecule:

2520 J / 30.5 kJ/mol = 0.0826 mol ATP

The molar mass of ATP is approximately 507.2 g/mol, so the mass of ATP required is:

0.0826 mol ATP x 507.2 g/mol = 41.9 g ATP

Therefore, the mass of ATP required to raise the temperature of a 60 kg person from 25°C to 37°C is approximately 41.9 g, or 0.04 kg, which is closest to option B (50 kg).

Approximately What Mass of ATP Is Required to Raise the Temperature