Final answer:
The number of drinks that would put a small woman at her legal limit cannot be exactly determined without specific weight and drink type data but generally should not exceed one drink per day. The legal BAC limit is 0.08%, and the liver metabolizes alcohol at about 15 mg/dL per hour.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of drinks that would put a small woman at her legal limit for driving depends on various factors, including her weight and the type of drinks consumed. Since the legal limit for intoxication in most U.S. states is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%, and alcohol is metabolized at a rate of about 15 mg/dL per hour, it's challenging to provide an exact number without specific information. Generally, it is recommended that women consume no more than one drink per day. One drink is usually defined as one 12 oz beer, one 5 oz glass of wine, or 1.5 oz of distilled spirits. Given that a small woman may reach the legal limit quicker than a larger person, and that it takes the liver several hours to fully metabolize the ingested alcohol, it's crucial to consume alcohol in moderation and understand that factors such as weight, food intake, and individual metabolism can influence BAC.