Chapter 23.5, Problem 31SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason should be determined for necessity of using sealed casks when making wine.

Concept introduction:

A hollow cylindrical container having a bulging center and lengthier than it is wide is known a cask. These are made up of staves of wooden and also bounded by metal or wooden hoops.

Explanation of Solution

Fermentation process:

A metabolic process that results in chemical changes in organic substrates by the action of enzymes is known as fermentation. It is also defined as the energy is extracted from the carbohydrates in the absence of oxygen. In this process, glucose breaks down in the absence of oxygen.

The chemical reaction is:

${\text{C}}_{\text{6}}{\text{H}}_{\text{12}}{\text{O}}_{\text{6}}\to {\text{2C}}_{\text{2}}{\text{H}}_{\text{5}}\text{OH}+\text{2CO}$

Sealed casks are used during the production of wine to avoid oxygen getting in the cask which destroys wine. Seal in any cask is used to avoid contamination from entering in the cask but it allows the sufficient air which is required to keep the wine present in cask dry and fresh. Also, the fermentation process takes place in the absence of oxygen, if an excessive amount of oxygen gets in the cask, then, in that case, alcohol oxidizes into vinegar which destroys alcohol. Also, to avoid entering of bacteria or contamination in the wine, seal casks are required.