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What is the ratio of hydrogen atoms to oxygen atoms in a carbohydrate? - Leaving Cert Biology - Question d - 2004
Question d
What is the ratio of hydrogen atoms to oxygen atoms in a carbohydrate?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What is the ratio of hydrogen atoms to oxygen atoms in a carbohydrate? - Leaving Cert Biology - Question d - 2004
Step 1
Hydrogen to Oxygen Ratio
Answer
In carbohydrates, the general formula is given as Cₓ(H₂O)ᵧ. This indicates that for every carbon atom, there are typically two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Therefore, the ratio of hydrogen atoms to oxygen atoms is:
rac{H}{O} = rac{2H}{O} = 2:1
Thus, the ratio of hydrogen to oxygen atoms in a carbohydrate is 2:1.