Final answer:
A typical adult can metabolize 0.15g of alcohol, which equals to about one standard drink per hour, but this rate can vary among individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
A typical adult can metabolize 0.15 grams (g) of alcohol which equals to approximately one standard drink an hour. This is based on the average metabolic rate at which the liver processes alcohol. Since a standard drink contains about 14 grams of alcohol, the liver can only handle roughly one-tenth of that amount every hour.
It's important to note that women generally metabolize alcohol slower than men, and individual rates can vary by as much as 25-30%. The ability to metabolize alcohol is affected by factors such as body size and the amount of alcohol dehydrogenase in the liver, which does not increase with the amount of alcohol consumed.
Therefore, consuming more than the body can metabolize can lead to intoxication and associated health risks. The safe consumption limits are up to one drink per day for women and two for men, according to general health guidelines.