Packaged foods that require cooking in boiling water often contain special directions for use at high elevations. Typically these directions indicate that the food should be cooked longer above 5000 ft. Explain why it takes longer to cook something at higher elevations.

Short Answer

Expert verified
At higher elevations, atmospheric pressure decreases, leading to a lower boiling point of water. This results in a slower rate of heat transfer from the water to the food, causing food to take longer to cook. Factors such as humidity, air temperature, and wind may also contribute to longer cooking times at high elevations.

Step by step solution

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1. Understand the relationship between atmospheric pressure and elevation

At sea level, the atmospheric pressure is highest as it is influenced by the weight of the air column above it. As we move to higher elevations, the atmospheric pressure decreases as the weight of the air column above it decreases. This decrease in pressure affects the boiling point of water.
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2. Understand the relationship between atmospheric pressure and boiling point of water

The boiling point of a liquid refers to the temperature at which its vapor pressure equals the surrounding atmospheric pressure, causing the liquid to change into vapor. As atmospheric pressure decreases with elevation, the boiling point of water also decreases.
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3. Relate the decrease in boiling point to longer cooking time at higher elevations

Cooking, especially boiling, relies on the transfer of heat energy from the boiling water to the food. At lower boiling points (which occur at higher elevations), less heat energy is transferred to the food. As a result, food takes longer to cook because the rate at which it absorbs heat from water is lower.
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4. Factor in other variables influencing cooking time at high elevations

Apart from the decrease in boiling point, other factors can influence cooking time at high elevations. These factors might include humidity (which influences the evaporation rate), air temperature, and wind, which can all affect the efficiency of heat transfer to the food and the overall cooking time. In conclusion, the main reason for longer cooking times at higher elevations is the decrease in atmospheric pressure, which results in a lower boiling point of water and a slower rate of heat transfer from the water to the food. Other factors, such as humidity, air temperature, and wind, might also contribute to longer cooking times at high elevations.

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