Question

Why do frying pans have a thick base?

• A. So that it has very low SHC and is a poor conductor of heat
• B. So that it has low Heat Capacity and is a poor conductor of heat
• C. So that it has high Heat Capacity and it absorbs a large amount of heat with a high rise in temperature
• D. So that it has high Heat Capacity and it absorbs a large amount of heat without a high rise in temperature
• E. So that it has very high SHC and is a good conductor of heat

Answer 1

The correct option is D

So that it has high Heat Capacity and it absorbs a large amount of heat without a high rise in temperature

A thick base pan has higher mass & hence higher heat capacity. A substance with large heat capacity absorbs a large amount of heat for a small rise in temperature. Due to its large heat capacity it will provide the food larger amount of heat at a lower temperature. This in turn makes sure that the food is cooked well without getting burnt.