Physics Ignoramus wrote:
My engineer friend was arguing that it takes the same amount of energy to walk say a 15 min. mile as it takes to run a 4 min. mile. He says that this is basic physics.
I don't know physics from a hole in the ground but to me it seems like common sense that it would take more energy to run faster. Is what he says true or is he pulling my leg?
Fact 1) Running gets one from point A to point B faster than walking
Fact 2) IF running were as energy efficient as walking THEN there would be ZERO advantages to walking rather than running
Fact 3) And yet, walking is the chosen mode of transport for most people most of the time (sans auto, bike, etc). This is true in every single society in the world, both modern and primitive.
It follows, as night follows day, that walking ABSOLUTELY MUST BE more energy efficient than running. Otherwise, no such mode of transportation would have ever evolved.
QED