Question

A pressure cooker contains water and steam in equilibrium at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. How does this greater pressure increase cooking speed?

a) Higher pressure lowers the boiling point of water.
b) Higher pressure increases the boiling point of water.
c) Higher pressure speeds up heat transfer.
d) Higher pressure has no effect on cooking speed.

Answer 1

A pressure cooker increases cooking speed by raising the boiling point of water.

Step-by-step explanation:

A pressure cooker increases cooking speed by raising the boiling point of water above its value at atmospheric pressure. When the pressure inside the pressure cooker is greater than atmospheric pressure, the boiling point of water increases. This means that water can reach higher temperatures before it boils, allowing food to cook faster.