Final answer:
Aldehydes and ketones are two closely related carbonyl-based functional groups. Aldehydes are readily oxidized to carboxylic acids, while ketones resist oxidation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aldehydes and ketones are two closely related carbonyl-based functional groups that react in very similar ways. In a ketone, the carbon atom of a carbonyl is bonded to two other carbons. In an aldehyde, the carbonyl carbon is bonded on one side to a hydrogen, and on the other side to a carbon. Aldehydes are readily oxidized to carboxylic acids, while ketones resist oxidation. This is due to the presence of a hydrogen atom in aldehydes, which is absent in ketones.