What is a kilocalorie (kcal)?
Unlike 1 food calorie, this is the amount of energy needed to raise 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius.
The amount of energy needed to raise 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius. It is equal to 1,000 food calories.
The amount of energy needed to raise 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius. It is also the same thing as 1 food calorie.
The amount of energy needed to raise 1 pound of water by 1 degree Celsius. It is also the same thing as 1 food calorie.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
“The amount of energy needed to raise 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius. It is also the same thing as 1 food calorie.”
Explanation:
A kilocalorie (kcal) is a unit of energy measurement commonly used in nutrition and thermodynamics. It is defined as the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram (kg) of water by 1 degree Celsius (°C).
In dietary contexts, the term “calorie” (with a capital C) is actually a kilocalorie. This means that when you see “Calories” on food labels, they are referring to kilocalories (kcal).
Distinction Between Calories and Kilocalories:
- 1 kilocalorie (kcal) = 1,000 small calories (cal)
- 1 kilocalorie (kcal) = 1 food Calorie (Cal) (with an uppercase ‘C’)
For example, if a food label states that a meal contains 500 Calories, it actually contains 500 kilocalories (kcal), or 500,000 small calories.
Why is This Important?
Understanding the difference between small calories and kilocalories is crucial when discussing food energy, exercise, and metabolism.
- The human body requires energy (measured in kilocalories) to perform daily functions such as breathing, digestion, and movement.
- The energy balance—calories consumed vs. calories burned—determines weight gain or loss.
- Scientists use kilocalories in chemistry and physics to measure energy transformations in heat experiments.
Conclusion:
A kilocalorie (kcal) is the same as a food calorie (Cal) and represents the energy needed to raise 1 kg of water by 1°C. This distinction helps avoid confusion in food labeling and scientific contexts.
Image:
Here is an educational diagram explaining kilocalories (kcal). It visually represents how 1 kilogram of water is heated by 1 degree Celsius and includes the energy equivalence:
1 kilocalorie (kcal) = 1 food Calorie (Cal) = 1,000 small calories (cal).