Food is fuel

To get from one place to another, we need energy. This page is open for the discussion of this concept. Let's understand energy economies. What kinds of vehicles can take us where we want &amp; need to go? What kinds of fuels do they require, and how much? How do different modes of transportation compare? Let's not forget, the body is a vehicle and food is fuel.



Have you seen the installation on the pavement in front of Cole Science Center? This visual representation compares how far one calorie of energy can move a person by car versus by bicycle.

These calculations are based on very simple math and a few assumptions. I leaned my assumptions toward commuting speeds and mileage, with the idea that longer commutes average more efficient and stable speeds and rates of speed.



One calorie can move a person about 9 fee t by car :

1 L EtOH   x       1 mJ        x   4187 J   x    35 mi    x 1 gal    x  5280 ft = 8.9 ft/cal                            23 mJ           1,000,000 J       1 cal          1 gal        3.785 L     1 mi

Assumptions


 * I used ethanol (EtOH) as the fuel source, since ethanol is the fuel that comes up most in the discussion of food vs. fuel.

1 Liter of ethanol is equivalent to 23 megajoules of energy.


 * I assumed a car averages 55 mph
 * I assumed a car averages a generous 35 miles per gallon

One calorie can move a person about 235 feet by bicycle :

1 hr     x   20 mi   x  5280 ft = 234.7 ft/cal 450 cal         1 hr          1 mi

Assumptions:

 * I assumed the average person burns 450 calories per hour (Based on a variety of exercise &amp; nutrition tables)
 * I assumed the average cyclist averages 20 miles per hour

'Comments? Better methods for calculation? '''Say something! Let's figure this out together. Post on the discussion board if you have something to say.'''