Final answer:
The difference between required and consumed oxygen during steady state work is termed oxygen debt, which is the additional oxygen needed post-exercise to restore the body's normal state.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between the oxygen required during a given rate of steady-state work and the oxygen actually consumed lies in the concept of oxygen debt. During steady-state work, the body requires a certain amount of oxygen to produce energy at a rate that matches the demand. However, the oxygen actually consumed may be less than required due to various physiological limitations. This can result in the body incurring an oxygen debt, which is the additional amount of oxygen needed to restore the body to its normal state post-exercise. For example, the oxygen required to restore ATP and creatine phosphate levels, convert lactic acid back to pyruvic acid, and other recovery processes, elevates the oxygen consumption even after exercise ceases.