[malish]

Thinking about this question for the 2nd day but cannot come up with something creative and theoretical :/

The normal human body temperature is close to 37C. Any change to this temperature even by a degree or two means a loss in the efficiency of our biochemical processes that drive the body mechnisms.

People are able to survive drastic lowering of body temperatures under some circumstances and this technique is used in several medical procedures. The raising of the body temperature by four or five degrees for any length of time is usually fatal.

At high temperatures, therefore, a way of cooling our bodies efficientyl is imperative for
survival. We do this through process of perspiration. In desert conditions this process is very
effective and a person can survive at temperatures in the high 30's as long as they are careful to
stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. In a tropical rainforest however the process does not work
as well and we can die at much lower temperatures.

Explain using the knowledge of thermochemistry how the process of perspiration helps keep us cool. Also explain the discrepancy between desert and tropical c

onditions.

[mike]

Any ideas yourself?

[malish]

I was thinking about removal of excess water out of the organism to lower the overall temperature, because water is the major component of human body and as its temperature rises - the overall temperature rises dramatically too. But I need more indepth explanation and also could you tell if that way of thinking is correct at all?

[mike]

Well the question alludes to thermochemistry. I am not sure what you have studied in thermochemistry. Do you know the heat capacity of water?

What about thinking along the lines of the water evaporating from the skin. Where does the heat come from to evaporate this water? Also consider vapour pressures and the vapour pressure of water. Will water evaporate readily if there is already a lot of water in the air?

[malish]

Yes I know heat capacity of water

[mike]

Ok cool and what about the rest?