Foods & Fuels: Reaction Enthalpies

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to foods and fuels, with a focus on energy reactions and caloric values.

Fusion reaction

A reaction where hydrogen nuclei combine to form a helium nucleus, releasing energy.

Biomass

Organic matter derived from living, or recently living organisms, typically used as a source of energy.

Metabolism of sugar (glucose)

The process by which glucose (C6H12O6) is broken down to produce energy.

Fuel value

The quantity of energy released when one gram of fuel is burned.

Energy stored in chemical bonds

Energy that is held within the molecular bonds of compounds, released during chemical reactions.

kJ/day energy requirement

The average person needs approximately 12,000 kJ of energy daily from foods.

Average energy content of carbohydrates

Carbohydrates provide 17 kJ of energy per gram.

Average energy content of proteins

Proteins provide 17 kJ of energy per gram.

Average energy content of fats

Fats provide 38 kJ of energy per gram.

Food calorie

A unit of energy equivalent to 1 kilocalorie (kcal), used in the context of food energy.