What is the main idea of the passage?

An induction cooktop uses a changing magnetic field to create heating currents inside compatible cookware. (The passage follows energy from the coil's magnetic field into electric currents and resistance heating within a suitable pan.)

Why can the glass surface become hot during cooking?

The heated pan can transfer some of its heat back to the glass. (The second paragraph says the glass can grow hot because the pan, already heated by induction, sends heat back into it.)

What does “induces” mean in the passage?

Causes electric currents to arise (The changing field produces currents inside the pan, so induces means causes those currents to arise.)

Where is the cooktop's coil located?

Beneath the glass surface (The first paragraph directly locates the coil beneath the glass.)

How an Induction Cooktop Heats a Pan: Level 1 Reading Comprehension Questions

An induction cooktop can warm a pan without a glowing burner. Beneath the glass, a coil carries a rapidly changing electric current. The current creates a changing magnetic field.

When a compatible metal pan sits above the coil, the field induces electric currents inside the pan. Electrical resistance changes their energy into heat. As a result, the pan itself becomes the heater, and food warms by contact with it. The glass can still grow hot because the pan sends heat back into it. The cooktop does not heat the pan mainly by warming the glass first.

Not every pot responds strongly to the field. Its material and construction matter. When the pan is removed, the induced currents stop. The technology transfers energy into a suitable vessel instead of using a flame or a hot coil on the surface.

Comprehension questions