All carbohydrates contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the approximate molar ratio of which of the following?

General
1

all carbohydrates contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the approximate molar ratio of which of the following?

2

All carbohydrates contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the approximate molar ratio of which of the following?

Answer:

Carbohydrates are organic compounds commonly represented by the general formula \text{C}_n(\text{H}_2\text{O})_n , indicating that they contain carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms in a specific ratio.

Solution By Steps:

  1. General Formula for Carbohydrates:

    • The general formula \text{C}_n(\text{H}_2\text{O})_n suggests that for every carbon atom, there are two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. This forms the basis for their structural makeup.

  2. Molar Ratio:

    • Simplifying this, the approximate molar ratio of these elements is:
      • Carbon:Hydrogen:Oxygen = 1:2:1

  3. Example - Glucose:

    • Glucose, a common monosaccharide, has the chemical formula \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6.
    • This follows the molar ratio of C:H:O as 6:12:6, which reduces to 1:2:1.

  4. Conclusion:

    • Therefore, the elements in carbohydrates typically adhere to the 1:2:1 ratio of carbon to hydrogen to oxygen. While some carbohydrates may have variations in structure, this ratio is characteristic of simple sugars.

Summary:

The approximate molar ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in carbohydrates is 1:2:1, reflecting their basic chemical structure.