Question

Explain what is meant by the following. (a) a saturated fat (b) a soap (c) the "proof" of an alcoholic beverage (d) denatured alcohol

Short answer

Question: Define and explain the following concepts: (a) Saturated fat, (b) Soap, (c) The "proof" of an alcoholic beverage, and (d) Denatured alcohol. Answer: (a) Saturated fat is a type of fat molecule with single bond connections between carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms, with no double or triple bonds. These fats are solid at room temperature and are found in animal-based products. (b) Soap is a cleaning agent produced through the chemical reaction called saponification between a fatty acid and an alkaline substance. It helps mix water with oil and grease for better cleaning. (c) The "proof" of an alcoholic beverage is a measure of its alcohol content, specifically its ethanol concentration, and is defined as twice its percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV). (d) Denatured alcohol is ethanol altered to make it unfit for human consumption, used for fuel, solvents, and cleaning products, and not subject to taxes and regulations for alcoholic beverages.

Step-by-step solution

(a) Definition of a Saturated Fat)

Saturated fat is a type of fat molecule which consists of single bond connections between carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms. It is said to be saturated because there are no double bonds or triple bonds in its molecule, and each carbon atom can bind to as many hydrogen atoms as possible. These fats typically remain solid at room temperature and are commonly found in animal-based products such as butter, cheese, and meat.

(b) Definition of a Soap)

A soap is a cleaning agent produced by the chemical reaction between a fatty acid (such as those found in oils or fats) and an alkaline substance, usually a strong base like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. This process is called saponification. Soaps are surfactants, meaning they can lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to better mix with oil and grease, making it easier to remove dirt and stains.

(c) The "proof" of an alcoholic beverage)

The "proof" of an alcoholic beverage is a measure of its alcohol content, specifically its ethanol concentration. In the United States, the proof of an alcoholic beverage is defined as twice its percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV). For example, a beverage with 40% ABV is considered 80 proof. In other countries, the proof may be expressed differently, so it's important to be aware of regional differences when discussing the alcohol content of a beverage.

(d) Denatured Alcohol)

Denatured alcohol, also known as methylated spirits, is ethanol that has been purposely altered to make it unfit for human consumption by adding toxic, unpleasant, or foul-tasting substances. This is done to prevent the misuse of ethanol for recreational drinking purposes and to allow it to be sold for other uses, such as for fuel, solvents, and cleaning products, without being subjected to the taxes and regulations that apply to alcoholic beverages intended for human consumption.