Final answer:
The time it takes to hard-cook eggs in boiling water differs based on altitude due to variations in atmospheric pressure, which affects the boiling point of water and the reaction rate of cooking. In higher altitudes like Denver, eggs cook more slowly in boiling water than in New York City because the temperature is lower, so a longer cooking time, typically around 10 minutes, is required.
Step-by-step explanation:
Boiling Water and Cooking Eggs at Different Altitudes
When boiling eggs in places like Denver, as opposed to New York City, it takes more time because of the difference in boiling points due to altitude. The higher altitude in Denver means lower atmospheric pressure, leading to water boiling at a lower temperature than at sea level. Consequently, the temperature at which the eggs are cooked is lower, hence the rate of cooking decreases because chemical reaction rate is influenced by temperature.
LibreTexts mentions that a 'three-minute egg' may take longer in higher altitudes like the Rockies, indicating that the cooking time extends beyond the typical time at sea level. Applying this knowledge, to make hard-cooked eggs by placing them into boiling water and simmering, one would typically need to simmer for 10 minutes to fully cook the eggs. This cooking time ensures the eggs reach a state of being hard-cooked, which would not be achieved in just 3 or 5 minutes and would be excessive at 15 minutes.
Understanding the relationship between boiling point, pressure, and reaction rate helps in adjusting cooking times to achieve the desired food texture and doneness when cooking at different altitudes.