The amount of heat energy that is liberated by burning 1 gm of foodstuff completely in the presence of O2 is… - RRB Nsg. Superintendent - 29 April 2025 (Shift-3rd)

RRB Nsg. Superintendent - 29 April 2025 (Shift-3rd)

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent - 29 April 2025 (Shift-3rd)

Explanation

Calorific value is the precise term for the amount of heat energy released when 1 gram of a food is completely combusted in the presence of oxygen.
This measurement is typically conducted in a laboratory setting using a device called a bomb calorimeter to determine the maximum potential energy in the food.
It is also known as 'energy density,' which signifies the energy yield per unit weight of the food.

Option A: A calorie is a unit of energy, not the property of the food itself. The question asks for the name of the property (the amount of energy per gram), not the unit used to measure it.
Option C: BMR is the minimum energy the body needs at rest to maintain vital functions like breathing and circulation. It describes the body's energy expenditure, not the energy content of food.
Option D: SDA, or the thermic effect of food, is the energy the body uses to digest, absorb, and metabolize nutrients. It's an energy cost to the body, not the energy gained from the food.

Visual 1: Diagram: A bomb calorimeter, showing the insulated container, oxygen supply, ignition wires, and thermometer, to illustrate how calorific value is measured.
Visual 2: Chart: A pie chart showing the components of total daily energy expenditure (BMR, physical activity, and thermic effect of food) to visually differentiate these concepts.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definitions of Calorific Value and other key terms in energy metabolism as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding calorific value is fundamental for nurses in dietetics and patient education, enabling them to calculate dietary intake, plan meals for weight management, and assess nutritional status.
This knowledge is crucial for managing conditions like obesity, diabetes, and malnutrition, where precise energy control is a key part of the treatment plan.
What if the question asked for the energy available to the body after digestion? The answer would relate to the 'physiological fuel value,' which is slightly lower than the bomb calorimeter's 'physical calorific value' because the body's metabolism is not 100% efficient and some energy is lost.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrases in the question: 'heat energy liberated,' 'burning 1 gm of food,' and 'completely in the presence of O2'.
Recognize that this describes a specific scientific measurement of the total potential energy contained within a food substance.
Evaluate the options based on their scientific definitions. 'Calorie' is a unit of measurement. 'BMR' and 'SDA' relate to the body's energy expenditure, not the food's energy content.
Conclude that 'Calorific Value' is the specific term that defines the energy yield per gram of food when it is completely combusted.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Definitions of Calorific Value and other key terms in energy metabolism.
Stem keywords: heat energy, burning 1 gm of foodstuff, liberated
Lead-in keywords: is called
Negative lead-in flag: false

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