UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 74
In a pressure cooker, the temperature at which the food is cooked depends mainly upon which of the following?
- Area of the hole in the lid
- Temperature of the flame
- Weight of the lid
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C (1 and 3 only)
Explanation: A pressure cooker’s water-boiling temperature depends on its internal pressure, regulated by the vent opening and pressure-regulator weight. A stronger flame heats faster but does not set the operating boiling point.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Correct / qualifies - Vent-hole area influences steam outflow and the pressure balance.
2. Incorrect / does not qualify - Flame temperature chiefly changes heating rate, not the pressure-set cooking temperature.
3. Correct / qualifies - The regulator/lid weight determines the pressure at which steam escapes.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-includes item 2, which is not valid (Flame temperature chiefly changes heating rate, not the pressure-set cooking temperature); omits valid item 3 (The regulator/lid weight determines the pressure at which steam escapes).
B. Incorrect-includes item 2, which is not valid (Flame temperature chiefly changes heating rate, not the pressure-set cooking temperature); omits valid item 1 (Vent-hole area influences steam outflow and the pressure balance).
C. Correct-selects exactly the supported statements/items: 1, 3.
D. Incorrect-includes item 2, which is not valid (Flame temperature chiefly changes heating rate, not the pressure-set cooking temperature).
Review note: The relevant “weight of the lid” means the pressure-regulating weight/valve in the standard pressure cooker.