Question 1

Which factor increases the solubility of a fatty acid in water?

Accepted Answer

Decreasing the length of the carbon chain

Question 2

Which fatty acid would have the lowest solubility in water?

Accepted Answer

Stearic acid (18:0)

Question 3

What is the effect of increasing the number of double bonds in a fatty acid on its melting point?

Accepted Answer

The melting point decreases

Question 4

Which of the following fatty acids has the highest melting point?

Accepted Answer

Stearic acid (18:0)

Question 5

If a fatty acid has 18 carbons and 2 double bonds, how does its melting point compare to a fatty acid with 18 carbons and no double bonds?

Accepted Answer

It is lower

Question 6

Which statement best explains why stearic acid is less soluble in water than lauric acid?

Accepted Answer

Stearic acid has a longer carbon chain

Question 7

A patient is advised to reduce intake of fatty acids with high melting points. Which fatty acid should they avoid?

Accepted Answer

Stearic acid (18:0)

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the relationship between carbon chain length and melting point in fatty acids?

Accepted Answer

Longer carbon chains have higher melting points

Question 9

Which fatty acid is most likely to be a solid at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

Stearic acid (18:0)

Question 10

Given the following fatty acids, which one would be expected to have the greatest solubility in water?

Accepted Answer

Lauric acid (12:0)

Question 11

Which of the following statements is true regarding the effect of double bonds on fatty acid properties?

Accepted Answer

Double bonds decrease the melting point

Question 12

A fatty acid with the formula $$\mathrm{C$$_{18}$$H_{36}O_2$} is $$most likely:

Accepted Answer

Stearic acid (18:0)

Question 13

Which property is shared by fatty acids with more double bonds?

Accepted Answer

Lower melting point

Question 14

If you compare palmitic acid (16:0) and oleic acid (18:1), which has a higher melting point and why?

Accepted Answer

Palmitic acid, because it has no double bonds

Question 15

Which of the following is most likely to be a liquid at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

Oleic acid (18:1)

Question 16

A fatty acid with a short carbon chain and multiple double bonds will have:

Accepted Answer

Low melting point and high solubility

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why unsaturated fatty acids are often found in plant oils?

Accepted Answer

They are liquid at room temperature due to lower melting points

Question 18

If a fatty acid has the formula $$\mathrm{C$$_{16}$$H_{32}O_2$}$$, what is its likely name?

Accepted Answer

Palmitic acid

Question 19

Which of the following would decrease the melting point of a fatty acid?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the number of double bonds

Question 20

A food scientist wants to create a spreadable fat for use at room temperature. Which type of fatty acid should be most abundant in the product?

Accepted Answer

Unsaturated fatty acids with multiple double bonds

Physical Properties of Fatty Acids: Solubility and Melting Point Factors

Study Guide - Practice Questions