Estimate the number of breaths a person takes over an average human lifetime
PHYSICS · Subjective · Fermi University Physics · Scientific Practice & Experimental Methods · Quantities, units and the practice of measurement · Quantities, units and the practice of measurement
Measurement and Method, Ch What dimensions decide before you measure anything
Problem
Estimate the number of breaths a person takes over an average human lifetime, by dividing the problem into a resting breathing rate and a lifetime, bounding each factor as you would before picking up any instrument. Quote the result to one significant figure, together with a factor by which you believe it could plausibly be out (for example, a factor of two either way).