Chapter 12, Problem 63A

To determine

Whether the pasta would cook faster in vigorously boiling water or in gently boiling water.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Food cooks faster at higher temperatures. Heat transferred at boiling temperature is used for phase change. When a liquid absorbs heat at boiling temperature, it is latent heat used for phase change from liquid to gas.

After water boils all the heat given is used only for phase change and not to raise the temperature. Hence the pasta cooks in the same time in both vigorously boiling water and in gently boiling water as the temperature is same in both the cases.

Conclusion:

Pasta cooks at the same time in both vigorously boiling water and gently boiling water.