How long can considerable amounts of alcohol remain in the body after drinking?

Alcohol can remain in the body for several hours, and its presence can be detected through various means. The body metabolizes alcohol at a generally consistent rate, with the average rate being approximately one standard drink per hour. However, this can vary based on numerous factors, including weight, age, sex, and individual metabolism.

The correct choice suggests that considerable amounts of alcohol can stay in the body for up to 16 hours. This aligns with the understanding that even after drinking has stopped, the effects of alcohol, or its metabolites, can linger for much longer than the time it takes for a person to feel sober. This is particularly important in aviation and other fields where safety is critical, as residual alcohol in the system can impair performance and decision-making.

The other choices do not fully encompass the duration that alcohol can affect an individual. For instance, while 8 hours might encompass the time needed for some of the effects to wear off, significant amounts could still be detectable beyond that timeframe. A duration of 12 hours may not be sufficient for heavier drinking episodes, and suggesting 24 hours overstates the average metabolism rate for typical drinking patterns. Thus, the choice of 16 hours provides a realistic estimation of how long alcohol can be impactful in the body