What explains the observation that FADH2 oxidation yields one less ATP than NADH oxidation by the Electron Transport System

Check explanation

Explanation:

During the Electron Transport System occur in the mitochondrial membrane, oxygen in this reaction is been reduced to water and ATPs are being produced.

The quinone form or the oxidized form of Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD) is the FADH2. While Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is the acronym for NADH. NADH is a good donating substance/agent.

It has been observed that FADH2 produce two (2) ATP while NADH produces three (3) ATP. The reason for this observation is that the production of electron in the FADH2 is at the lower enegy level. Because of this it can not transfer its electron to the first complex.

While;

NADH is at the higher energy level and it can directly transfer its electron to the first complex.