Lung Capacity Lab

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13-19

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60+

Discussion

Nelson Biology 11 page 466 (a)-(f)

To determine the expiratory reserve volume (ERV) the following formula is used.

ERV= FEV -TV

ERV= 900-300

ERV= 600

To determine the inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) the following formula is used.

VC= IRV + ERV + TV

2200= IRV + 600 + 300

IRV = 1,300

It is important to take the average of three measurments when determining the tidal volume, forced exhalation volume, and vital capacity each measurement may be different from the last. Taking the average of three measurements give you a normal reading for the individual being recorded. And average measurement rather makes sure that the investigation is accurate.

Total lung capacity he is the max air that lungs can hold since normal breathing does not involve complete use of the lungs. Additional information needed to determine your total lung capacity would include the inspiratory reserve volume, the tidal volume, the expiratory reserve volume, the residual volume, and the vital capacity. The following formulas can determine the total lung capacity.

TLC= IRV + TV + ERV + RV

TLC = VC + RV

The following is the formula for determining the VO2.

VO2= BR x TV x.209 x .2/mass

The VO2 determines the rate at which oxygen is used in the body. Therefore, the breathing rate is important to include in the formula as it is the number of breaths per minute and shows the rate at which the body’s lungs work. The tidal volume is the volume of air that enter the lungs in a breath, determining how much oxygen the body is using. These components give a estimated value that represents the rate at which the body uses oxygen.

According to table 1 (table 1, Nelson Biology 11 p.444) my VO2max efficiency level is good for my age and sex. My measurement was 35.6.

Conclusion

This investigation was successful since the tested levels of a healthy individual’s lung capacity was at average levels. The levels measured in this lab verifies the hypothesis of this investigation, since average levels were measured for an healthy individual with an active lifestyle, and healthy habits. The formulas used in this lab determined different values related to lung capacity. These values were average yet not exactly excellent or superior since the individual tested was an average weight, age and of average health. An error made in this investigation could be an inaccurate distance recorded. This is because of conditions and time limits did not permit completion of the activity and distance had to be estimated. If this investigation were to be repeated, the Cooper 12-minute run test should be completed on a exercise machine so that distance is accurate and can be recorded.