Question

Combustion of a fat will release more energy than combustion of an equal mass of carbohydrate because:

A) Fats have more oxygen atoms.
B) Carbohydrates have more carbon atoms.
C) Fats have higher energy density.
D) Carbohydrates release less heat when burned.

Answer 1

Fats release more energy than carbohydrates when combusted due to their more reduced form and higher energy density.

Step-by-step explanation:

Fats release more energy than carbohydrates when combusted due to a combination of factors. First, fats are in a more reduced form than carbohydrates and thus release more energy per mass during oxidation. Secondly, glycogen, a type of carbohydrate, is hydrophilic and absorbs water, increasing its mass. This leads to a higher energy density in fats compared to carbohydrates.