Why Does a Potato Burst When Baked Without Poking Holes?

Pressure Causes Potato to Burst

Sometimes when we bake a potato without poking holes in the skin, the potato will burst. This phenomenon occurs due to pressure build-up inside the potato while it is being cooked.

Explanation of the Phenomenon

It is due to the pressure of water which becomes water vapor. When we bake a potato without poking holes in the skin, the potato will burst. The potato is covered inside with full of water that is trying to turn into steam or water vapor when it is baked. The skin of the potato acts like a pressure vessel. If steam is not escaping, it builds up the pressure inside it. If it develops pressure to a certain point from the water trying to become water vapor, it can pop the skin.

How Does the Potato Burst?

In a condition where water is inside the vessel, it maintains the pressure inside the vessel. But due to heat, it suddenly turns into vapor, which also increases the pressure and causes the potato to burst. Therefore, due to water vapor, the potato will burst.

Sometimes when we bake a potato without poking holes in the skin, the potato will burst. Why does this occur?

It is due to the pressure of water which becomes water vapor. When we bake a potato without poking holes in the skin, the potato will burst. The potato is covered inside with full of water it's trying to turn to steam or water vapor when it is baked. The skin of the potato acts like a pressure vessel. If steam is not escaping, it builds up the pressure inside it. If it develops pressure to a certain point from the water trying to become water vapor, it can pop the skin.

← Evolution of snake limblessness a gradual process through natural selection The scientific names of white oak and red oak →