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Multiple Choice
Which type of fatty acid has the least number of hydrogen atoms per carbon atom?
A
Trans fatty acid
B
Monounsaturated fatty acid
C
Saturated fatty acid
D
Polyunsaturated fatty acid
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of fatty acids: Fatty acids are composed of a hydrocarbon chain with a carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end. The number of hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon atoms depends on the presence of double bonds in the chain.
Define the types of fatty acids: Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds, meaning all carbon atoms are fully saturated with hydrogen atoms. Monounsaturated fatty acids have one double bond, reducing the number of hydrogen atoms. Polyunsaturated fatty acids have two or more double bonds, further reducing the hydrogen atoms per carbon atom. Trans fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids with a specific configuration of double bonds.
Compare the hydrogen-to-carbon ratio: Saturated fatty acids have the highest hydrogen-to-carbon ratio because they lack double bonds. Monounsaturated fatty acids have fewer hydrogen atoms due to one double bond. Polyunsaturated fatty acids have the least hydrogen atoms per carbon atom because they contain multiple double bonds.
Analyze the impact of double bonds: Each double bond in a fatty acid chain reduces the number of hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon atoms. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, with multiple double bonds, have the lowest hydrogen-to-carbon ratio compared to other types of fatty acids.
Conclude that polyunsaturated fatty acids have the least number of hydrogen atoms per carbon atom due to the presence of multiple double bonds in their structure.