Question

Which device is used to measure the amount of energy stored in foods?

(a) Rheometer

(b) Adiabatic calorimeter

(c) Bomb calorimeter

(d) Heat flow calorimeter

This question was posed to me in an interview for internship.

This interesting question is from Cell Nutrients topic in portion An Overview of Biological Basics & Enzymes of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer 1

Right option is (c) Bomb calorimeter

To explain: Complex organic food molecules such as sugars, fats, and proteins are rich sources of energy for cells because much of the energy used to form these molecules is literally stored within the chemical bonds that hold them together. Scientists can measure the amount of energy stored in foods using a device called a bomb calorimeter. With this technique, food is placed inside the calorimeter and heated until it burns. The excess heat released by the reaction is directly proportional to the amount of energy contained in the food.