Michael Joseph, a Form 6 student in Seremban, recently studied the principles of
work, power, and fluid pressure in his physics class. Intrigued by how he could
apply this newfound knowledge, Michael wanted to calculate the power
generated by the human heart as it propels blood throughout the body. Michael
came across the following information about the typical human heart's pumping
capacity and the pressure it exerts from a medical journal:
Parameter
Value
Volume of blood pumped per heartbeat
80 ml
Pressure exerted by the heart
15 cm of Mercury
Assuming a pulse frequency of 82 beats per minute, Michael estimated the heart's
power output to be 220 W. Do you agree with his answer? Justify your reasoning
with calculation. State any assumptions made.