Question

Estimate the surface area of a person.

a) 0.5 - 1 square meters
b) 1 - 1.5 square meters
c) 1.5 - 2 square meters
d) 2 - 2.5 square meters

Answer 1

The estimated surface area of an adult person in a spread eagle position is 0.70 m², placing the estimate within the range of 1 - 1.5 square meters.

Step-by-step explanation:

To estimate the surface area of a person, we can reference a situation involving an adult falling in a spread eagle position. The projected area in this position can be estimated. Given that an average adult might have a width of about 0.35 meters and a length of 2 meters while in this position, the surface area can be calculated as:

A = length × width = (2 m) × (0.35 m) = 0.70 m².

Based on the estimation, the surface area of a person would most likely fall into category b) 1 - 1.5 square meters, as 0.70 m² is within this range.