Question

triglycerides form when three fatty acid molecules combine with one molecule of glycerol, which contains carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms. fatty acids have carbon and hydrogen atoms arranged in long chains. the number of carbon atoms in a fatty acid can range from four to 36!

the models show the chemical structures of stearic acid (a fatty acid) and stearin (a triglyceride).

chemical structures of stearic acid and stearin

how many molecules of stearic acid are needed to make one molecule of stearin?

box for answer

Explanation:

Step1: Recall triglyceride formation

Triglycerides form when 3 fatty acid molecules combine with 1 glycerol molecule.

Step2: Analyze stearin structure

Stearin is a triglyceride. From the given models and the definition, we know the number of stearic acid (fatty acid) molecules needed for stearin (triglyceride) is 3.

Answer:

3