In physics How does baking cake in high altitude places requires additional flour and water?

Baking at high altitudes requires adjustments to recipes because of the lower air pressure. Here's how it affects cakes and why more flour and water are often needed:

Lower Air Pressure and Boiling Point:

* Air pressure decreases with altitude: This means there are fewer air molecules pressing down on the mixture.

* Boiling point decreases: Water boils at a lower temperature at higher altitudes.

Impact on Baking:

1. Expansion of Leavening Agents: Baking powder and baking soda rely on the release of carbon dioxide gas for leavening. The lower air pressure allows the gas to expand more readily, making the cake rise faster and potentially too much.

2. Evaporation: With a lower boiling point, the water in the batter evaporates more quickly. This can lead to a dry cake, and the cake may not rise as high because the steam needed for leavening escapes too early.

3. Density: The lower air pressure affects the density of the batter. The batter can become more airy and less dense, making it difficult for the cake to hold its shape.

Why More Flour and Water?

* More Flour: Adding extra flour helps to counteract the decreased density of the batter. It provides more structure and helps the cake hold its shape.

* More Water: The extra water helps compensate for the increased evaporation at higher altitudes. It keeps the batter moist and ensures the cake rises properly.

Other Adjustments:

* Reduced Sugar: Sugar also contributes to the moisture content of the cake. Reducing the sugar slightly can help prevent a dry cake.

* Increased Oven Temperature: You might need to increase the oven temperature by 25°F to ensure the cake bakes through properly.

* Shortened Baking Time: Since the cake rises faster at high altitudes, you might need to reduce the baking time to prevent over-baking.

Important Note: Every high-altitude location has a different air pressure. You'll need to experiment to find the perfect adjustments for your specific location.