• Question: What makes popcorn pop?

    Asked by ellelou to Frank, Leila on 22 Mar 2013.
    • Photo: Frank Soboczenski

      Frank Soboczenski answered on 22 Mar 2013:

      The secret is water!
      Only the kernels can pop! Each kernel contains a small amount of water and when we heat it (lets say in the microwave) the water turnes into steam and makes the kernel go boom because of the pressure of the steam. Its almost like a micro steam engine. Here is an interesting article from NASA in case you want to know more 🙂 http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/home/popcorn.html

    • Photo: Leila Nichol

      Leila Nichol answered on 22 Mar 2013:

      Good article Frank!

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