Boiling and altitude: Why does cooking take longer in the hills than in the plains? Assume open-vessel boiling and typical high-altitude atmospheric conditions. Choose the correct option.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Lower atmospheric pressure lowers water's boiling point, so cooking temperature is reduced

Explanation:


Concept
Boiling point decreases with pressure. At higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure is lower, so water boils below 100°C.


Effect
Since the maximum attainable cooking temperature (boiling) is lower, food takes longer to cook.


Final Answer
Lower atmospheric pressure lowers water's boiling point, so cooking temperature is reduced

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