Question

The human small intestine moves food along its 6.9- m length by means of peristalsis, a contraction and relaxation of muscles that propagate in a wave along the digestive tract. Part A If the average force exerted by peristalsis is 0.18 N , how much work does the small intestine do to move food along its entire length?

Answer 1

Answer:

  W =1.242 J

Explanation:

Express the work done on an object which moved distance dd after applying force F.

W=F dcosθ

Since the force and the distance travelled are in the same direction, the angle between them is 0.

Substitute θ = 0 in the above equation

W=F dcos( 0° )

W = F*d

The expression for work done by an applied force which moves the object by a distance

W = Fd

Substitute 0.18 N for F and 6.9 m for d;

 W  = (0.18N)*(6.9m)

      = 1.242 J

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