Question

Field observations suggest that a migrating ruby-throated hummingbird can fly across the Gulf of Mexico on a nonstop flight traveling a distance of about 800 km . Assuming that the bird has an average speed of 40.0 km/hr and an average power consumption of 1.70 W , how many grams of fat fat does a ruby-throated hummingbird need to accomplish the nonstop flight across the Gulf of Mexico

Answer 1

3.25 g

Step-by-step explanation:

`t =(d)/(v) \\t = (800km)/(40km/h) =20 h = 72000 s`

Energy consumption:

`E=P* t\\E= 1.70 W* 72000 s =122400 J`

1 g of fat is roughly equal to 9 calories

1 cal = 4186 J

1 g of fat = 9 x 4186 J = 37674 J

Equating the two

122400 = m x 37674

m = 3.25 g