Question

What is the chemical formula of a carbohydrate?

Answer 1

Hint :Large groups of organic compounds that consist of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms only are termed as carbohydrates. These are widely used in the food including starch, sugar etc. It is one of the important nutrients that a human body requires.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
Carbohydrate is a biomolecule which is made of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms only. In the molecules, the ratio of carbon $ : $ hydrogen $ : $ oxygen is $ 1:2:1 $ . Hence the general chemical formula of a carbohydrate is $ {(C{H_2}O)_n} $ .
Carbohydrates are further divided into three types which are explained below:
Sugars: These are the most basic form of carbohydrates. These are generally used in food products like sweets, desserts, soft drinks etc. They are also naturally found in fruits and vegetables.
Example:
Starches: If various units of sugar molecules are combined together then formation of starch takes place. As it is a combination of various units of sugar molecules, it is categorized as complex carbohydrate. It is mostly found in food products like bread, cereals, etc.
Example:
Fiber: It is also categorized as a complex carbohydrate. Intake of fibers can help the human body with various problems like constipation, cholesterol and blood sugar control because due to complex structures, the digestive system of the human body can’t break most fibers and hence its intake can help to improve many health-related issues. It is commonly found in natural food products like fruits and vegetables.

Note :
Monosaccharides in large numbers combine together to form large molecules of polysaccharides. It is also known as poly-carbohydrates which are bounded by glycosidic linkage. Therefore, carbohydrates are widely used in the chemical industry as polymers, enzymes, nutrients etc.