Pressure Cooking: How Does It Get Hotter Than 15 psi?

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SUMMARY

A pressure cooker operates by creating an environment where the boiling point of water is elevated due to increased pressure. While 1 atmosphere (atm) equals 15 psi, a pressure cooker typically operates at 1 atm above normal atmospheric pressure, allowing water to reach temperatures of 121 degrees Celsius. This principle is fundamental in understanding how pressure influences boiling points and cooking efficiency.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic pressure concepts (atmospheric pressure and psi)
  • Knowledge of boiling point elevation
  • Familiarity with thermodynamics principles
  • Basic cooking techniques involving heat and pressure
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  • Research the thermodynamic principles behind boiling point elevation
  • Explore the design and functionality of pressure cookers
  • Learn about the safety mechanisms in pressure cooking
  • Investigate the effects of altitude on boiling points and pressure cooking
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Culinary enthusiasts, food scientists, and anyone interested in the mechanics of pressure cooking and its applications in cooking techniques.

aclark609
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Okay so if 1 atm is the pressure in our natural surroundings (I know it depends on altitude, but humor me, ummkay?), and 1 atm = 15 psi, then why does a pressure cooker get water to boil at 121 degrees Celsius. I mean the pressures are the same. How does a pressure cooker allow it to get hotter?
 
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Nevermind. I just found out it's 1 atm above normal atmospheric pressure. Place palm to face emoticon here. Sorry.
 
A critical thinker continuously poses their own good questions, then answers them.

A sloppy thinker is unable to post a clear question and so must wait for another to work out what the question should have been, when the answer becomes immediately obvious.

aclark609; Congratulations on your critical thinking, you will go far.

Susan Sontag said:
"The best answer is one that destroys the question."
 
Thank You! I did not expect to get acclaimed for this lol.
 

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