Question 1

Why does water boil?

Accepted Answer

Water boils when it gets so hot that it turns into steam, which are tiny bubbles. This happens when it reaches a temperature called the boiling point.

Question 2

Why does bread rise when you bake it?

Accepted Answer

Bread rises because of a magic ingredient called yeast. Yeast creates tiny bubbles of gas that puff up the dough.

Question 3

Why does ice melt in the sun?

Accepted Answer

Ice melts in the sun because it gets warm, and the heat changes it from solid ice to liquid water. It's like the ice is waking up and turning into water!

Question 4

Why does popcorn pop?

Accepted Answer

Popcorn pops because each kernel has some water inside. When you heat them, the water turns to steam and the pressure makes them explode into a fluffy snack.

Question 5

Why do we need to stir when cooking?

Accepted Answer

We stir food to mix things up and spread the heat evenly. This helps cook everything perfectly and avoid burning.

Question 6

Why do apples turn brown when you cut them?

Accepted Answer

Apples turn brown because the air reacts with them. When you cut an apple, the inside meets the air, and it starts to change color.

Question 7

Why does sugar dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

Sugar dissolves in water because water breaks it into tiny pieces we can't see. This makes the whole drink sweet.

Question 8

Why do onions make you cry?

Accepted Answer

Onions make you cry because they release a gas when cut. This gas mixes with water in your eyes and turns into a mild acid that makes you tear up.

Question 9

Why does oil float on water?

Accepted Answer

Oil floats on water because it's lighter than water. That means it doesn't sink and stays on top instead.

Question 10

Why does butter melt but not burn in a pan?

Accepted Answer

Butter melts because it gets warm and turns from a solid to a liquid. If the pan is not too hot, it won’t burn and will just turn soft and creamy.

Question 11

Why does lemonade taste sour?

Accepted Answer

Lemonade tastes sour because of citric acid in lemons. This gives the drink its zesty and tangy flavor.

Question 12

Why do cookies get hard if left out?

Accepted Answer

Cookies get hard when they lose moisture to the air. They dry out and become crisp instead of soft.

Question 13

Why does ice cream melt on a hot day?

Accepted Answer

Ice cream melts on a hot day because the sun makes it warm. It changes from a solid to a creamy liquid when it's hot.

Question 14

Why do eggs turn solid when cooked?

Accepted Answer

Eggs turn solid when cooked because the heat changes the proteins inside. The proteins stick together and make the liquid part firm up.

Question 15

Why do bananas turn black in the fridge?

Accepted Answer

Bananas turn black in the fridge because the cold affects their skin. It makes the skin darken faster than if left at room temperature.

Question 16

Why do things sizzle when fried?

Accepted Answer

Things sizzle when fried because the heat from the oil makes water in the food turn to steam. The steam escaping makes the sizzling sound.

Question 17

Why does toast get brown?

Accepted Answer

Toast gets brown due to a reaction with heat called caramelization. The heat changes its color and develops a rich, toasty taste.

Question 18

Why do spices smell strong?

Accepted Answer

Spices smell strong because they have oils that release wonderful scents. These oils spread through the air and reach your nose easily.

Question 19

Why does hot chocolate form a skin on top?

Accepted Answer

Hot chocolate forms a skin because of the milk proteins and fat. They come together and solidify on the top when it cools a little.

Question 20

Why does dough rise when you punch it?

Accepted Answer

Dough rises again because punching it releases the gas from yeast, but it keeps working. The yeast makes more gas, and the dough puffs up again.

The Physics of Everyday Cooking - 20 FAQs Explained Simply