Final answer:
Butyric acid is an example of a short-chain fatty acid, with four carbon atoms in its structure, distinguishing it from longer-chain fatty acids like stearic and oleic acid.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example of a short-chain fatty acid is butyric acid, which contains only four carbon atoms. Unlike long-chain fatty acids such as stearic acid (18 carbons) and oleic acid (18 carbons with one double bond), short chain fatty acids typically have fewer than six carbon atoms and are more likely to be found in liquid form at room temperature. Butyric acid is found in dairy products and is known for its shorter carbon chain length, which affects its physical properties and makes it a clear example of a short-chain fatty acid.