Question

How are gasoline and fat chemically similar?

Short answer

Both gasoline and fats consist primarily of hydrocarbon chains. Both act as fuel, such as gasoline for engines and fats for plant embryos and animals. Also, reactions of both types of molecules release energy.

Step-by-step solution

Structure of gasoline

Chemically, gasoline is a combination of small, relatively lightweight hydrocarbons of 4 – 12 carbon atoms. It consists of a mixture of hydrocarbons such as alkanes, alkenes, and cycloalkanes. It is known as petroleum and used as fuel in spark-ignited internal combustion engines and automobiles.

Structure of fats

Fats are called fatty acids. They form an important component of the food and act asan important macronutrient. Different types of fats, such as saturated and unsaturated fats, keep the body healthy in different ways. Fats are categorized as fatty acids, animal fats, vegetable fats, lipids, and oils based on various factors.

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats include oils. They improve cholesterol levels. On the contrary, saturated fats (solid fats) are harmful and increase the bad cholesterol levels in the body.

Chemically, fats are made up of single, double, or triple esters of glycerols. Esters are hydrocarbon chains. Based on these chains, the fat is called monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides.

Similarities in gasoline and fat

Gasoline, as well as fats, are composed of hydrocarbon chains. Thus, they are chemically similar.Gasoline is used as fuel for vehicles and machines, while fats serve as energy resources in plants and animals.

Both gasoline and fats release energy when their molecules break down. Gasoline, as well as fats, contain 9 Cal/gm of energy.