Fat & Oils – Uses & Tests

Uses of Fat and Oil

1. Humans consume fats and oils. Palm oil, cotton seed oil, and groundnut oils are used for cooking.

2. Fats and oils are solvent for water insoluble vitamins in the body. 

3. Lipids also provide energyEnergy is the ability to do work. Energy exists in several forms such as heat, kinetic or mechanical energy, light, potential energy, and electrical energy. Units of Energy: The SI unit... More for animals and insulate our organs in our bodies.

4. Coconut oil and palm oil are used in making soap.

Tests for Fat and Oil

Sudan III test: Add about 3cm³ vegetable oil, about 4cm³ of water in a boiling tube, and shake. Then add 3 or 4 drops of Sudan (III) stain. A red stain is formed. 

Paper test: Add a few drops of vegetable oil on a piece of white paper or filter paper. Translucent spot is observed on the paper.