WGU D440 CHAPTER 6: ENERGY BALANCE | COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE, PRACTICE QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS 2026/2027
What is the correct description of a kilocalorie (kcal)?
The energy needed to metabolize 1 kg of glucose
The energy required to raise the temperature by 1 kg of water 1 degree celsius
The energy required to move 1 kg substance 1 meter by 1 Newton of force
The energy needed to transport water against the concentration gradient - ✔✔The energy
required to raise the temperature by 1 kg of water 1 degree celcius
Which fuel source is the highest energy-yielding nutrient?
Fats
Alcohol
Proteins
Carbohydrates - ✔✔Fats
Fats have the highest caloric density of macronutrients, containing 9kcal/gram
A food that contains 19 grams of carbohydrates, 25 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fat has
kilocalories (kcal). - ✔✔212
To determine total kcal, multiply the amount of each macronutrient by its relative energy
density, then sum the totals. Carbohydrates and proteins each have 4 kcal/gram, and fats have 9
kcal/gram.
19 grams of carbohydrates × 4 kcal/gram = 76 kcal
25 grams of protein × 4 kcal/gram = 100 kcal
4 grams of fat × 9 kcal/gram = 36 kcal
,76 kcal + 100 kcal + 36 kcal = 212 total kcal in the food
A food that contains 12 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat is equal
to kilocalories (kcal). - ✔✔113
To determine total kcal, multiply the amount of each macronutrient by its relative energy
density, then sum the totals. Carbohydrates and proteins each have 4 kcal/gram, and fats have 9
kcal/gram.
12 grams carbohydrates × 4 kcal/gram = 48 kcal
5 grams protein × 4 kcal/gram = 20 kcal
5 grams fat × 9 kcal/gram = 45 kcal
48 kcal + 20 kcal + 45 kcal = 113 total kcal in the food
The amount of energy (kcal) needed by the body to maintain life at complete rest. - ✔✔The
basal metabolic rate, also known as basal energy expenditure (BEE)
What factors affect the amount of energy utilized by the body?
Select all that apply.
Weight
Air temperature
Hormonal status
A fractured bone
, Body composition - ✔✔Weight
Hormonal status
A fractured bone
Body composition
Which age group has the highest energy expenditure requiring the highest caloric allowance
(kcal/lb)?
10-15 years
15-20 years
35-40 years
Birth to 5 years - ✔✔Birth to 5 years
Energy needs are highest during times of rapid growth, which occur throughout childhood. For
both sexes, the time between 1 and 2 years is characterized by the highest energy expenditure,
with a decrease as the child ages. Therefore, the children in their first years of life have the
highest energy expenditure compared to older children and adults.
Which substances are measured to determine the energy expenditure of a person using
calorimetry?
& ANSWERS 2026/2027
What is the correct description of a kilocalorie (kcal)?
The energy needed to metabolize 1 kg of glucose
The energy required to raise the temperature by 1 kg of water 1 degree celsius
The energy required to move 1 kg substance 1 meter by 1 Newton of force
The energy needed to transport water against the concentration gradient - ✔✔The energy
required to raise the temperature by 1 kg of water 1 degree celcius
Which fuel source is the highest energy-yielding nutrient?
Fats
Alcohol
Proteins
Carbohydrates - ✔✔Fats
Fats have the highest caloric density of macronutrients, containing 9kcal/gram
A food that contains 19 grams of carbohydrates, 25 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fat has
kilocalories (kcal). - ✔✔212
To determine total kcal, multiply the amount of each macronutrient by its relative energy
density, then sum the totals. Carbohydrates and proteins each have 4 kcal/gram, and fats have 9
kcal/gram.
19 grams of carbohydrates × 4 kcal/gram = 76 kcal
25 grams of protein × 4 kcal/gram = 100 kcal
4 grams of fat × 9 kcal/gram = 36 kcal
,76 kcal + 100 kcal + 36 kcal = 212 total kcal in the food
A food that contains 12 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat is equal
to kilocalories (kcal). - ✔✔113
To determine total kcal, multiply the amount of each macronutrient by its relative energy
density, then sum the totals. Carbohydrates and proteins each have 4 kcal/gram, and fats have 9
kcal/gram.
12 grams carbohydrates × 4 kcal/gram = 48 kcal
5 grams protein × 4 kcal/gram = 20 kcal
5 grams fat × 9 kcal/gram = 45 kcal
48 kcal + 20 kcal + 45 kcal = 113 total kcal in the food
The amount of energy (kcal) needed by the body to maintain life at complete rest. - ✔✔The
basal metabolic rate, also known as basal energy expenditure (BEE)
What factors affect the amount of energy utilized by the body?
Select all that apply.
Weight
Air temperature
Hormonal status
A fractured bone
, Body composition - ✔✔Weight
Hormonal status
A fractured bone
Body composition
Which age group has the highest energy expenditure requiring the highest caloric allowance
(kcal/lb)?
10-15 years
15-20 years
35-40 years
Birth to 5 years - ✔✔Birth to 5 years
Energy needs are highest during times of rapid growth, which occur throughout childhood. For
both sexes, the time between 1 and 2 years is characterized by the highest energy expenditure,
with a decrease as the child ages. Therefore, the children in their first years of life have the
highest energy expenditure compared to older children and adults.
Which substances are measured to determine the energy expenditure of a person using
calorimetry?
