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alcohol

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Alcohol is a type of organic compound that contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) bonded to a carbon atom. Alcohols are found in many different substances, including beer, wine, and hard liquor. They can also be found in some foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

In the human body, alcohol is broken down by the liver. However, the liver can only process a certain amount of alcohol at a time. If a person drinks too much alcohol, the liver will not be able to break it down all at once. This can lead to a number of negative effects, including intoxication, health problems, and even death.

Here are some of the short-term effects of alcohol on the body:

  • Intoxication: Alcohol can impair judgment, coordination, and decision-making. It can also lead to slurred speech, impaired vision, and nausea.
  • Health problems: Alcohol can damage the liver, heart, and brain. It can also increase the risk of cancer.
  • Death: Alcohol poisoning can occur if a person drinks too much alcohol too quickly. This can lead to respiratory failure and death.

It is important to remember that alcohol is a drug, and it can have negative consequences for your health. If you are considering drinking alcohol, it is important to do so in moderation and to be aware of the risks involved.

How can the word be used?

The alcohol in the petrol evaporates quickly.

alcohol

Different forms of the word

Noun: alcohol.

Adjective: alcoholic.

Synonyms: liquor, spirit, wine, beer, brandy.

Antonyms: non-alcoholic.

Etymology

The word "alcohol" is derived from the Arabic word al-kuḥl (الكحل), which means "kohl". Kohl is a black powder made from antimony sulfide that was used as a cosmetic to darken the eyelids and eyebrows. The word "alcohol" was first used in English in the 14th century to refer to a type of distilled liquor.

Question

What can be some of the short-term effects of consuming alcohol?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Describe the effects of alcohol on the human body.

Answer:

Alcohol is a depressant, which means that it slows down the central nervous system. This can have a variety of effects on the human body, including:

  • Reduced coordination: Alcohol can impair coordination, making it difficult to walk, talk, or perform other tasks that require fine motor skills.
  • Reduced inhibitions: Alcohol can reduce inhibitions, making people more likely to do things that they would not normally do.
  • Drowsiness: Alcohol can cause drowsiness, making it difficult to stay awake.
  • Memory loss: Alcohol can cause memory loss, especially for events that happened while the person was intoxicated.
  • Blackout: A blackout is a type of memory loss that occurs when a person drinks too much alcohol. Blackouts are often associated with risky behaviour, such as driving under the influence.
  • Impaired judgment: Alcohol can impair judgment, making it difficult to make sound decisions.
  • Increased risk of accidents: Alcohol can increase the risk of accidents, such as car crashes and falls.
  • Health problems: Alcohol can lead to a variety of health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and cancer.