Obtain a package of your favorite snack food and examine the nutritional information on the label. Confirm the caloric value listed by using the conversions listed in the table in the Chemistry in Action feature 'Energy from Food' (p. 191). Alternatively, you can use the estimates for caloric value for a given food as provided in the table.How long would you have to engage in each of the physical activities to burn the calories contained in your snack?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the total caloric value of your snack from the nutritional information label.
2. Use the conversion factors from the 'Energy from Food' table to confirm the caloric value. Typically, these factors are: 4 kcal/g for carbohydrates, 4 kcal/g for proteins, and 9 kcal/g for fats.
3. Calculate the total calories by multiplying the grams of each macronutrient by its respective caloric value and summing them up.
4. Determine the calories burned per hour for each physical activity you are considering. This information can often be found in tables or online resources.
5. Divide the total caloric value of your snack by the calories burned per hour for each activity to find out how long you need to engage in each activity to burn off the snack's calories.

Key Concepts

Caloric Value

Caloric value refers to the amount of energy provided by food, typically measured in calories or kilojoules. This value indicates how much energy the body can obtain from consuming a specific food item. Understanding caloric value is essential for evaluating dietary choices and managing energy intake, as it directly relates to how the body uses food for fuel.

Energy Conversion

Energy conversion in the context of food involves translating the caloric content of food into usable energy for physical activities. This process often requires understanding the conversion factors between calories and other energy units, such as joules. Familiarity with these conversions allows individuals to accurately assess how much energy they can derive from their food and how it relates to their physical activity levels.

Metabolic Rate and Physical Activity

Metabolic rate is the rate at which the body expends energy, influenced by factors such as age, sex, weight, and activity level. Different physical activities burn calories at varying rates, and knowing these rates helps determine how long one must engage in an activity to burn off the calories consumed. This concept is crucial for understanding the balance between energy intake and expenditure, which is fundamental for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.