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Chapter 1: Problem 11

Your friend mentions that she eats only natural foods because she wants her food to be free of chemicals. What is wrong with this reasoning?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The friend's reasoning is incorrect because all food, including 'natural food,' contains chemicals. Everything is made of chemicals—everything we touch, smell, eat, and even our bodies. The term 'chemical' does not inherently signify something harmful or artificial. Hence, it is a misunderstanding that 'natural foods' are free of chemicals.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the meaning of 'Chemicals'

A chemical is any substance consisting of matter. This includes any liquid, solid, or gas. A chemical can be a pure substance or a mixture of substances.
02

Debunking the misunderstanding

The claim that 'natural foods' are devoid of chemicals is incorrect. The label 'natural' on food products does not imply being chemical-free. All foods, regardless of whether they are classified as 'natural' or otherwise, contain chemicals because every substance is made of chemicals.
03

Explanation of the chemical nature of foods

All food is composed of specific molecular structures, indicating they contain chemicals. For example, an apple contains malic acid, fructose, cellulose, and many other chemicals. Even water, considered a critical 'natural' drink, is a chemical compound formed by two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H2O). Regardless of whether consumed food comes directly from a tree, an animal, or is processed, it contains chemicals.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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