Question 1

What is a chemical reaction?

Accepted Answer

A chemical reaction is when some stuff gets mixed together and changes into something new. It's like magic where ingredients in food combine to create new flavors and textures.

Question 2

Why does bread rise when baked?

Accepted Answer

Bread rises because tiny creatures called yeast eat sugar and release gases. These gases get trapped in the dough and make it puffy and light.

Question 3

Why do apples turn brown after cutting them?

Accepted Answer

Apples turn brown because a chemical reaction happens when they're cut open. The inside of the apple reacts with air, causing it to change color.

Question 4

How does a cake get fluffy?

Accepted Answer

A cake gets fluffy because of tiny bubbles that form when you mix ingredients like eggs and sugar. When the cake bakes, these bubbles expand and make it light and airy.

Question 5

Why does popcorn pop?

Accepted Answer

Popcorn pops because there's a bit of water inside each kernel. When it's heated, the water turns into steam and builds up pressure until the kernel bursts open!

Question 6

Why do onions make you cry?

Accepted Answer

Onions make you cry because they release a special gas when you cut them. This gas mixes with water in your eyes and forms something like a mild acid, which makes you tear up.

Question 7

Why does sugar melt when heated?

Accepted Answer

Sugar melts when heated because its molecules start moving faster and break apart from each other. This turns the solid sugar into a liquid.

Question 8

Why do cookies turn golden brown in the oven?

Accepted Answer

Cookies turn golden brown because the heat causes sugar and proteins to react in a special way. This reaction makes them change color and gives a yummy flavor.

Question 9

What happens to an egg when it's boiled?

Accepted Answer

When an egg is boiled, the heat causes its inside to change from liquid to solid. The proteins inside the egg stick together and firm up, making it a hard-boiled egg.

Question 10

Why do we add baking soda to recipes?

Accepted Answer

We add baking soda to recipes to help things like cakes and cookies rise. Baking soda releases gas bubbles when it mixes with wet ingredients, making the baked goods light and fluffy.

Question 11

How does frying make food crispy?

Accepted Answer

Frying makes food crispy by removing water and cooking the outside until it's crunchy. The oil makes the outside golden and delicious while keeping the inside soft.

Question 12

Why does cheese melt when heated?

Accepted Answer

Cheese melts when heated because the heat makes its fats and proteins loosen up. This makes the cheese stretch and become gooey.

Question 13

Why do bananas turn brown over time?

Accepted Answer

Bananas turn brown over time because of a chemical reaction inside them. As they age, the same process that makes apples brown happens to bananas too.

Question 14

Why does milk curdle when it goes bad?

Accepted Answer

Milk curdles when it goes bad because bacteria grow in it. These bacteria make acids that change the milk, forming lumps.

Question 15

What makes a steak turn brown as it cooks?

Accepted Answer

A steak turns brown as it cooks because the heat changes the proteins in the meat. This reaction, called the Maillard reaction, gives the steak a delicious color and taste.

Question 16

Why do lemons taste sour?

Accepted Answer

Lemons taste sour because they have a lot of a special acid. This acid makes our taste buds think of a tangy flavor.

Question 17

What makes bread crust hard and crunchy?

Accepted Answer

Bread crust becomes hard and crunchy because the surface gets dry and bakes at high heat. This makes the outside firm while the inside stays soft.

Question 18

Why does food smell more when it's cooked?

Accepted Answer

Food smells more when it's cooked because the heat helps release aromas into the air. These smells come from the cooking process and make us excited to eat!

Question 19

Why does salt make food taste better?

Accepted Answer

Salt makes food taste better because it can bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. It wakes up our taste buds and makes the food more delicious.

Question 20

Why does ice cream freeze hard but still melt in your mouth?

Accepted Answer

Ice cream freezes hard because it’s kept really cold, which keeps it solid. But when you eat it, your warm mouth melts it, making it creamy and delicious.

The Chemical Reactions in Cooking - 20 FAQs Explained Simply