Final answer:
Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio, forming compounds like sugars, starch, and cellulose.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three elements that carbohydrates are made of are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. These elements combine in a stoichiometric formula represented as (CHâ‚‚O)n, where n is the number of carbon atoms in the molecule and the ratio of these elements is 1:2:1. This specific arrangement is reflected in the types of carbohydrates we are familiar with, such as sugars like glucose and fructose, as well as complex carbohydrates like starch and cellulose. Additionally, their classification includes monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides, all of which are important dietary components providing energy and serving various structural and functional roles in organisms.