Biology Why do fatty acids burn in the presence of carbon?

AI Thread Summary
Fatty acids burn in the presence of carbon because they are hydrocarbon chains that require oxygen for combustion. The process of burning involves the reaction of fatty acids with oxygen, producing carbon dioxide and water. The presence of additional carbon does not hinder this reaction; rather, it is the oxygen that facilitates the combustion process. Understanding this combustion requires recognizing that fatty acids inherently contain carbon, which is a key component in the reaction. Therefore, oxygen is essential for the burning of fatty acids, regardless of their carbon content.
physicisttobe
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fatty acids and carbon
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Hi everyone!

Do you know why fatty acids burn in the presence of carbon? I found some explanations on the internet but they didn't help me. Can you explain me (in simple terms) why fatty acids burn in the presence of carbon ?
 
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No idea what you mean. Not only they contain carbon by themselves, all they need to burn is oxygen.
 
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