What are carbohydrates primarily composed of?

Carbohydrates are primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. This composition can be represented by the general formula (CH₂O)n, where 'n' represents the number of carbohydrate units. The arrangement of these elements allows carbohydrates to serve as a primary source of energy for the body, as they can be easily broken down into glucose, which fuels cellular processes. This specific combination of elements is distinctive to carbohydrates and highlights their role in energy storage and structural functions in living organisms. The presence of nitrogen or sulfur, as mentioned in the other choices, is not typical in carbohydrates, which helps to clarify why those options do not accurately describe the composition of carbohydrates.