Question

The acceptable workload for an average Indian worker with \(\text{VO}_{2\text{max}}\) of 2.2 litre/minute (calorific value of \(\text{O}_2\) as \(20.9\text{ kJ/litre}\)) is

• A. \(16.1\text{ kJ/ minute}\)
• B. \(10.8\text{ kJ/ minute}\)
• C. \(11.7\text{ kJ/ minute}\)
• D. \(38.1\text{ kJ/ minute}\)

Hint:

Acceptable Work Load for sustained human work $= 35\%$ of $\text{VO}_{2\text{max}}$. ($0.35 \times 2.2 \times 20.9 = 16.1\text{ kJ/min}$).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Acceptable Work Load (AWL) for sustained 8-hour continuous manual labor is standardized at 35% of the worker's maximal aerobic capacity (\(\text{VO}_{2\text{max}}\)).
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{AWL} = 0.35 \times \text{VO}_{2\text{max}} \times \text{Calorific Equivalent of } \text{O}_2 \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Given parameters:
- Maximum oxygen uptake capacity: \(\text{VO}_{2\text{max}} = 2.2\text{ L/min}\)
- Energy equivalent of oxygen: \(k = 20.9\text{ kJ/L of } \text{O}_2\)
Total maximum aerobic energy capacity:
\[ E_{\text{max}} = 2.2\text{ L/min} \times 20.9\text{ kJ/L} = 45.98\text{ kJ/min} \]
Applying the standard continuous workload limit of 35% (0.35):
\[ \text{Acceptable Work Load (AWL)} = 0.35 \times 45.98\text{ kJ/min} = 16.093\text{ kJ/minute} \approx 16.1\text{ kJ/minute} \]

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the acceptable workload is \(16.1\text{ kJ/ minute}\), corresponding to option (A).