Suppose an animal is oxidizing food according to the following reaction:
C₁₆H₃₂O₂ + 23 O₂ SYMBOL 174 \f "Symbol" 16 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + 10,042 kJ/mol. What is the respiratory quotient?

Question

Suppose an animal is oxidizing food according to the following reaction: C₁₆H₃₂O₂ + 23 O₂ SYMBOL 174 \f "Symbol" 16 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + 10,042 kJ/mol. What is the respiratory quotient?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The respiratory quotient (RQ) is the ratio of CO2 produced to O2 consumed. Here, 16 CO2 are produced and 23 O2 are consumed, so RQ = 16/23.

Suppose an Animal Is Oxidizing Food According to the Following