a chef frantically flips pancakes while glancing at an hourglass-style timer on the counter. Steam rises from the pan as golden pancakes sizzle and bubble on the surface. The timer shows sand falling steadily through the narrow opening, marking the cooking time. As each pancake cooks, the chef counts the timing carefully before flipping to avoid burning. A kitchen assistant nearby points at another timer while organizing plates for serving. The family members at the table tap their fingers impatiently as they wait. a period of time equal to sixty seconds passing during the cooking process