EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The term carbohydrate was originally used to describe compounds that were literally “hydrates of carbon” because they had the empirical formula CH2O. In recent years, carbohydrates have been classified on the basis of their structures, not their formulas. They are now defined as polyhydroxy aldehydes and ketones.

Detailed explanation-2: -The term carbohydrate or hydrates of carbon is derived from its basic elemental formula in which carbon is joined to hydrogen and oxygen present in the same ratio as in water.

Detailed explanation-3: -However, carbohydrates are not really “hydrates” because the water molecules are not intact. Rather, the linked carbon atoms are bonded with hydrogen atoms (-H) and hydroxyl groups (-OH), the components of water.

Detailed explanation-4: -What are carbohydrates? Carbohydrates (also called carbs) are a type of macronutrient found in certain foods and drinks. Sugars, starches and fiber are carbohydrates. Other macronutrients include fat and protein.

Detailed explanation-5: -Hydrates of Carbon-The hydrates of carbon are known as carbohydrates. These are the main source of energy. It is the first respiratory substrate in the human body. In hydrates of carbon, the ratio of hydrogen and oxygen is 2: 1.