Final answer:
One shot of distilled spirit (1.5 ounces at 40% ABV) is approximately equal to one standard beer (12 ounces at 5% ABV), meaning the answer is A) 1 beer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of how many beers equal one shot of alcohol involves understanding standard drink sizes and the alcohol content typically found in beer and spirits. In the United States, one "standard" drink contains roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol. Generally, this is found in 12 ounces of beer, which is usually around 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), or in 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, which is about 40% ABV.
It's important to note that while beer can vary in strength, when we refer to one shot, we're often considering a standard shot, which is 1.5 ounces of a spirit like whisky, vodka, or rum. If we stick to the standard measures, then one shot of alcohol is approximately equal to one 12-ounce beer at 5% ABV. This is because both contain similar amounts of alcohol. Situations like social drinking, personality, and body chemistry can influence alcohol intoxication, but when considering pure volume and alcohol content, one beer equals one shot.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question '1 shot of alcohol equals how many beers?' would be A) 1.