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This week’s new questions

When cooking, what difference does it make if the water is simmering or boiling vigorously? And when does a theory become a fact?

2ARWJ3E Horizontal shot of a red pan of boiling water on top of a stove with the burner turned to high.

When cooking, what difference does it make if the water is simmering or boiling vigorously, given that water boils at 100 degrees?

Raffi Katz, Watford, Hertfordshire, UK

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T12NJ9 Macrophotography of typewriter hammers with FACT word

When does a theory become a fact, and who decides?

Dave Reidon, Broadwater, Queensland, Australia

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To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

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Topics: Last Word

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