battle@alphard.cs.utk.EDU (David Battle) (05/04/89)
I need a good estimate of the number of atoms in the human body. Back of the envelope calculations give about 10^27 assuming an average molecular weight of 12 (as in Carbon 12). The large numbers of lighter hydrogen atoms may make this number higher, however. Where would I find a more accurate estimate? A breakdown by element (or even isotope) would be nice. Just for reference, I am a computer scientist, not a biologist, chemist, etc. Disclaimer: I try not to have opinions. -David L. Battle battle@utkcs2.cs.utk.edu battle@esddlb.esd.ornl.gov [Back-of-the-envelope calculations also give 10^27 assuming the body is mostly water. Noting that recorded human weights range over two orders of magnitude, it's probably a good guess. --JoSH]