Final answer:
The standard drink of spirits is option c) 1.5 oz (43mL) with 40% alcohol. This common serving size contains the standard amount of 14 grams of pure alcohol. Understanding these measures is key to gauging alcohol consumption and its associated health risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
A standard drink of spirits is usually defined by the amount of pure alcohol present in the drink. The three options provided offer different volumes and concentrations of alcohol, but the standard drink is generally around 14 grams of pure alcohol. This translates to approximately 1.5 oz (43mL) with 40% alcohol (option c), which is the common serving size for a shot of spirits. This amount differs from those found in beer and wine, which typically have lower alcohol concentrations per volume, such as a 12 oz beer with 5% alcohol (option a) or a 5 oz glass of wine with 12% alcohol (option b). The standard serving sizes are instrumental in understanding alcohol consumption and the risks associated with it.
For comparison, it is useful to know that a fluid ounce is a customary unit for measuring liquid capacity, commonly used for various beverages, including soft drinks. An understanding of units and volumes is crucial when discussing alcohol serving sizes, as overconsumption can lead to alcohol intoxication, characterized by a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of greater than 0.025-0.080%. Furthermore, alcohol is metabolized at an approximate rate of 15 mg/dL per hour in the human body.
Given the variability in alcohol consumption across different countries and the importance of knowing standard drink sizes for health and legal reasons, it is clear that option c) 1.5 oz (43mL) with 40% alcohol is the correct answer.