if+1.4%+of+the+mass+of+a+human+body+is+calcium,+how+many+kilograms+of+calcium+are+there+in+a+173+pound+man?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To determine how many kilograms of calcium are present in a 173-pound man, we need to follow these steps:
- Convert Pounds to Kilograms:
Since 1 pound is approximately equal to 0.453592 kilograms, we can convert 173 pounds to kilograms:
[
\text{Weight in kilograms} = 173 \text{ pounds} \times 0.453592 \text{ kg/pound} \approx 78.513 \text{ kg}
] - Calculate the Mass of Calcium:
Knowing that 1.4% of the mass of the body is calcium, we can calculate the mass of calcium as follows:
[
\text{Mass of Calcium} = 0.014 \times 78.513 \text{ kg} \approx 1.099 \text{ kg}
]
Final Answer
Thus, there are approximately 1.099 kilograms of calcium in a 173-pound man.
Explanation
Calcium is an essential mineral that plays various vital roles in the human body. It is crucial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, enabling muscle contractions, and facilitating nerve signaling. The human body contains about 1.4% calcium by mass, primarily stored in bones and teeth, with smaller amounts found in blood and soft tissues.
The importance of calcium extends beyond structural functions. It plays a significant role in blood coagulation, signaling within cells, and the proper functioning of enzymes. The body regulates calcium levels tightly; if dietary intake is insufficient, the body will draw on calcium reserves from the bones, which can lead to conditions like osteoporosis over time.
Inadequate calcium intake can have significant health consequences, especially for children and the elderly, who are more susceptible to bone-related diseases. Therefore, understanding the percentage of calcium in the body helps in recognizing the dietary needs and maintaining overall health.
In summary, a 173-pound man has approximately 1.099 kg of calcium, underscoring the importance of this mineral in the human body’s structure and function.