Can Hot Beverages Stay Hot at High Altitudes?

Thread starter Mullet
Start date Feb 15, 2012
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Altitude Boiling Water

In summary, at higher altitudes, the boiling point of water decreases due to the decrease in air pressure. This leads to longer boiling times for water, as the lower air pressure makes it more difficult for water molecules to escape into the air as steam. However, using a pressure cooker can help to speed up the boiling process, as the higher pressure inside raises the boiling point of water. While a regular pot can still be used to boil water at high altitudes, it may require longer cooking times. Additionally, altitude can also affect the cooking time for foods that require boiling water, requiring adjustments to prevent overcooking or undercooking.

Feb 15, 2012

Mullet

Can you explain why we can have hot beverages at really high altitude don't stay hot? Why can't they have a nice pot of tea on mount everest?

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Feb 15, 2012

rock.freak667

Homework Helper

Well what happens to the temperature as altitude increases?

Feb 15, 2012

turbo

Gold Member

Specifically, what happens to the boiling temperature of water?

1. What is the boiling point of water at higher altitudes?

The boiling point of water decreases as altitude increases due to the decrease in air pressure. At sea level, water boils at 100°C (212°F), but at higher altitudes, the boiling point can be as low as 70°C (158°F).

2. Does water take longer to boil at higher altitudes?

Yes, water takes longer to boil at higher altitudes because the lower air pressure makes it more difficult for the water molecules to escape into the air as steam. This means that it will take longer for the water to reach its boiling point.

3. Why does water boil faster at higher altitudes in a pressure cooker?

A pressure cooker traps steam inside, creating a higher pressure environment. This higher pressure raises the boiling point of water, allowing it to boil faster at higher altitudes where the air pressure is lower.

4. Can you use a regular pot to boil water at high altitudes?

Yes, a regular pot can still be used to boil water at high altitudes, but it may take longer than at sea level. It is important to keep an eye on the water and adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking or burning.

5. How does altitude affect cooking time for foods that require boiling water?

Altitude can significantly affect cooking time for foods that require boiling water, as the lower air pressure at higher altitudes means that the water will take longer to boil. It is important to adjust cooking times for these foods to avoid overcooking or undercooking.