(a) What is meant by the term fuel value? (b) Which is a greater source of energy as food, 5 g of fat or 9 g of carbohydrate?

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the term 'fuel value'. In chemistry, the fuel value refers to the amount of energy released when a substance is completely combusted. It is usually expressed in units of energy per mass, such as kilojoules per gram (kJ/g) or calories per gram (cal/g).

Step 2: Identify the typical fuel values for fats and carbohydrates. Fats generally have a higher fuel value, approximately 9 kcal/g, while carbohydrates have a fuel value of about 4 kcal/g.

Step 3: Calculate the total energy provided by 5 g of fat. Multiply the mass of the fat by its fuel value: 5 g * 9 kcal/g.

Step 4: Calculate the total energy provided by 9 g of carbohydrate. Multiply the mass of the carbohydrate by its fuel value: 9 g * 4 kcal/g.

Step 5: Compare the total energy values obtained from the calculations in Steps 3 and 4 to determine which provides a greater source of energy.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Fuel Value

Fuel value refers to the amount of energy that can be obtained from a substance when it is metabolized. It is typically measured in calories or joules and varies among different macromolecules such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Understanding fuel value is essential for evaluating the energy content of foods and their role in nutrition.

Energy Content of Macronutrients

Different macronutrients provide varying amounts of energy per gram. Fats yield approximately 9 calories per gram, while carbohydrates provide about 4 calories per gram. This difference in energy content is crucial for determining which food source is more energy-dense and can supply more energy for metabolic processes.

Comparative Energy Calculation

To compare the energy provided by different food sources, one must calculate the total energy from each source based on their mass and respective energy content. For example, 5 g of fat would provide 45 calories (5 g x 9 cal/g), while 9 g of carbohydrates would yield 36 calories (9 g x 4 cal/g). This calculation helps in understanding which food source is more efficient in providing energy.

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