Which elements do carbohydrates contain, and in what ratio?

Carbohydrates are composed of three elements:

1. Carbon (C)
2. Hydrogen (H)
3. Oxygen (O)

The general ratio of these elements in carbohydrates is 1:2:1, meaning for every carbon atom, there are two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Example:

• Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆): This common carbohydrate follows the 1:2:1 ratio.

This ratio applies to most simple carbohydrates (monosaccharides), though complex carbohydrates like starches may have variations in their structural arrangements.