1. How does your vital capacity compare to others in the class? Describe some reasons why you think your vital capacity is what it is. Why are the highest and lowest vital capacities the way they are.
- The average breath holds 500ml. My vital capacity was average for a girl: 2.5. Comparing to the class, it was on the lower end, and average. The reason for my lower vital capacity is my asthma, abd my small frame. Those with higher vital capacities are probably bigger in frame, have no breathing afflictions, and are most likely athletic. Those with lower vital capacities could be smaller in body frame, have breathing afflictions, or not be very athletic.
2. How much air is in a usual breath? Why are our breaths the volumes that they are?
- For a girl, a usual breath is 2 litres. For a boy, a breath is typically 4 litres. Our breaths are the volumes that they are because of our respective body sizes and athletic endurance.
3. How is the mechanism of exhaling forcefully different than a usual exhalation? Why would practice at this via exercise/instrument playing/singing make you better at it?
When we forcefully exhale, we are voluntarily pushing out the air, in contrast to normal, involuntary exhaling. Playing and instrument/exercising involves efficient breathing, so you would need to exhale forcefully.
