P2_5 The Knitters Dilemma

Abstract

In this paper we calculated the total length of time a knitted jumper has to be worn to balance
out the energy used in creating the jumper. Experimental values were found for the length of time to knit a jumper. The amount of calories burnt per hour of knitting and the time taken were then used to calculate the overall energy used. The rate of heat loss was calculated for a thin cotton t-shirt and for an aran weight jumper before the total length of time it would have to be worn to make back this energy was calculated. We have found that the amount of energy taken to knit a jumper is 1.10x10^7 J and the jumper would have to be worn for 3 hours to balance this energy.