Question

1. what is the empirical formula for carbohydrates?
2. define the following terms and give two examples of each.

monosaccharide-
disaccharide-
polysaccharide-

Explanation:

1. The empirical formula for carbohydrates is \(C_n(H_2O)_n\), where \(n\) is a positive integer. This formula reflects the basic composition of carbohydrates, which are often referred to as "hydrates of carbon".

2.

• Monosaccharide: A monosaccharide is the simplest form of carbohydrate, consisting of a single sugar unit. Examples include glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) and fructose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)).
• Disaccharide: A disaccharide is formed by the condensation of two monosaccharide units. Examples include sucrose (\(C_{12}H_{22}O_{11}\)) (glucose + fructose) and lactose (\(C_{12}H_{22}O_{11}\)) (glucose + galactose).
• Polysaccharide: A polysaccharide is a long - chain polymer of monosaccharides. Examples include starch (a polymer of glucose, used for energy storage in plants) and cellulose (a polymer of glucose, a structural component in plant cell walls).

Answer:

1. \(C_n(H_2O)_n\)

2.

• Monosaccharide: Simple sugar unit. Examples: glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)), fructose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)).
• Disaccharide: Two - monosaccharide unit. Examples: sucrose (\(C_{12}H_{22}O_{11}\)), lactose (\(C_{12}H_{22}O_{11}\)).
• Polysaccharide: Long - chain monosaccharide polymer. Examples: starch, cellulose.