Final answer:
Snack A with a high percentage of carbohydrates is the best option for providing quick energy and fewer calories during a hike. Carbohydrates are metabolized quickly and are essential for high-intensity activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a student preparing for a hike and seeking a snack that provides quickly available energy with few excess calories, the best option would be a snack high in carbohydrates. Unlike fats, which have a higher energy density providing 9 Calories per gram, carbohydrates and proteins offer 4 Calories of energy per gram. However, carbohydrates are metabolized faster than fats, making them the primary choice for quick energy. Therefore, the correct answer to the question would be:
C) Snack A because it has a high percentage of carbohydrates, which provides a quick source of energy for cells. This snack also has the fewest extra calories.
Carbohydrates, such as glucose, are the most common fuel for ATP production in cells and are necessary for high-intensity activities like hiking. Foods high in carbohydrates, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables, offer the energy needed, especially in the form of glucose. In contrast, while fats do provide more energy per unit mass or volume, they are metabolized more slowly, making them less ideal for immediate energy needs during activities like hiking.