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Chapter 11: Problem 131

A pressure cooker is a sealed container that allows steam to escape when it exceeds a predetermined pressure. How does this device reduce the time needed for cooking?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A pressure cooker reduces cooking time by allowing the internal pressure, and thus temperature, to rise above the usual limit, speeding up the breakdown of food materials and hence the overall cooking process.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Function of Pressure Cooker

A pressure cooker is made of a pot with a sealed lid, which locks in place. It features a valve that releases steam to prevent an excessive build-up of pressure. Therefore, it is a sealed container where pressure can build up by heating.
02

Pressure and Temperature Relationship

By the principles of thermodynamics and the ideal gas law, when the pressure increases and the volume remains constant, the temperature also increases. Hence, inside the enclosed pressure cooker, heating produces steam that cannot escape, leading to increased pressure and subsequently higher temperature.
03

Cooking Time Reduction

The increase in temperature speeds up the cooking process. In cooking, heat is used to break down the structure of food materials such as proteins and fibers, and higher temperatures do this more quickly. Therefore, a pressure cooker, owing to its ability to reach higher temperatures that a conventional pot cannot, reduces the time needed for cooking.

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