Tag: Chemical ratio

For the simplest carbohydrates, the atomic ratio of carbon to hydrogen to oxygen is a consistent 1:2:1, which gives rise to the empirical formula (CH2O)n. This fundamental chemical makeup helps explain the composition of these essential biomolecules and answers the question: what is the ratio of CH and O atoms in carbohydrates?

The name 'carbohydrate' literally means 'hydrated carbon,' a historical term referencing the specific ratio of hydrogen and oxygen atoms found in these molecules. This 2:1 ratio of hydrogen to oxygen is a fundamental characteristic of simple carbohydrates, providing a key insight into their core chemical makeup.