UPSC Prelims 2021 · Question 68 of 97

UPSC Prelims 2021 question on Pressure Cooker Temperature

In a pressure cooker, the temperature at which the food is cooked depends mainly upon which of the following?

1. Area of the hole in the lid

2. Temperature of the flame

3. Weight of the lid

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer

Answer: C. 1 and 3 only

Verdict

Correct statements: 1 and 3 only → Option (c).

Analysis

Inside a pressure cooker the boiling point is increased by increasing the pressure. Hence cooking is faster. Therefore the temperature at which food is cooked is affected by the pressure and not temperature of the flame. This can also be understood by understanding why cooking is difficult on hills.

At high altitudes, atmospheric pressure is lower, reducing the boiling point of water as compared to that at sea level.

The pressure inside the cooker depends on:
- The weight of the lid (statement 3 correct): heavier lid retains more pressure
- The area of the hole in the lid (statement 1 correct): smaller hole retains more pressure

Statement by statement

Statement 2 – INCORRECT: Temperature of the flame does not affect the cooking temperature inside a pressure cooker.

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