What is the science behind popping popcorn?

What is the science behind popping popcorn?

The reason why popcorn pops is the water trapped inside its kernel. If the kernel is heated to a high enough temperature, this water will transform into steam. With high temperatures, the starch gelatinizes and then expands with the rapid burst of the kernel.

Which popcorn pops the most science fair project?

Kirkland’s Signature and the least amount of un-popped and the most amount of popped popcorn. Our result of the best brand of popcorn is that Kirkland’s Signature because it had the most percentage of popped popcorn with 94.6%. The second is best is Fit & Active Brand with 91.3% of popped popcorn.

Is popping popcorn a chemical change or physical change?

When popcorn is popped, liquid inside the kernel is changed to steam. Pressure from the steam builds up inside the kernel. When the pressure reached a critical stage the kernel pops turning itself inside out. This is a physical change.

What are popcorns made of?

Popcorn, like all six types of corn, is a cereal grain and originates from a wild grass. Its scientific name is Zea mays everta, and it is the only type of corn to actually pop. Popcorn is made up of three main components: endosperm, germ and the pericarp (also known as hull or bran).

What is the white stuff on popcorn?

So what exactly is that white stuff? Well, as the moisture in the popcorn escapes, the starch inside expands and forms tiny bubbles, a lot like soap bubbles in a bubble bath. The hot steam causes this bubbly, foamy structure to set almost instantaneously. That’s the white cloud that forms a piece of popcorn.

Is popcorn a new substance?

Students will discover that, while a popped piece of popcorn appears to have undergone a significant change, no new substance is created in the process and popping popcorn is, thus, a physical change. All of the materials that are in an un-popped kernel are the same as what makes up a popped piece of popcorn.

Is popcorn reversible or irreversible change?

Look at the popcorn in the picture above. Even if we were to cool the popcorn, it would not turn back into kernels. We call this change irreversible.

What happens when you mix popcorn and salt?

A: The popcorn and salt actually become sorted. Tapping the jar against a flat surface loosens the salt so it falls below the popcorn to form a solid layer whereas the popcorn rises to the top of the salt.

Why does popcorn dance with vinegar and baking soda?

In this case, you have an acid (liquid: vinegar) and a base (solid: baking soda) when combined make a gas called carbon dioxide which produces the eruption you can see as well as the dancing action. The carbon dioxide bubbles lift the corn, but as the bubbles pop, the corn falls back down!

How do you make a dancing popcorn science experiment?

Use the worksheet below to record the results of your popcorn experiment! Follow along with these directions for the dancing corn science experiment! Fill each jar half-way with your liquid of choice. Use water, oil, or vinegar. Cover the bottom of each jar with a layer of popcorn kernels. Add the reactant to the jar and observe.

Why do popcorn kernels pop?

Steam (gas) builds up inside the kernel and eventually bursts the kernel when it becomes too much for the hull to hold. The soft starch spills out into the unique shape you get to see and taste! That is why popcorn kernels pop! ALSO CHECK OUT: Dancing Corn Experiment! Watch the video too! POPCORN SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

What is a popcorn science project?

This popcorn science project is a fun way to demonstrate chemical reactions and to determine which substances create the longest-lasting reaction. You’ll want to have several jars on hand to test each mixture, and a timer to determine how long the kernels in each jar bounce before settling to the bottom of the jar.

Is popcorn an example of irreversible change?

Popcorn is a great example of physical changes in matter including irreversible change. Get set to experiment with our easy microwave popcorn recipe, and find out why popcorn pops. Let’s make popcorn! WHY DOES POPCORN POP? Here are a few popcorn facts to start you off on the right pop! Did you know… Popcorn is made from a type of of corn kernel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9iuj6drxfk