Table of Contents
How is popcorn related to science?
When a popcorn kernel is heated, the trapped water in the endosperm turns into steam, building up pressure inside the pericarp. This pressurized, super-heated steam transforms the soft starch in the endosperm into a gelatinous material.
What is the popcorn experiment?
– When the baking soda and vinegar combine, they react to form carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. The gas forms bubbles in the water, which circle around the corn kernels. The bubbles then lift the kernels up to the surface. When they get to the surface, they pop and the kernels sink again.
What popcorn pops best science project?
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. The third Best that we tested is Aldi Brand with 89.6% of popped popcorn.
How does popcorn pop science fair project?
The pressure inside the grain will reach 135 pounds per square inch before finally bursting the hull open. As it explodes, steam inside the kernel is released. The soft starch inside the popcorn becomes inflated and spills out, cooling immediately and forming into the odd shape we know and love.
How is making popcorn a chemical change?
Rapid air cooling and drying of the starch creates the fluffy shape of popcorn. To summarize, making popcorn results in major changes to the physical shape, and the release of water, but there is no major change in chemical composition.
Why does popcorn pop science project?
Lesson Plan. Popcorn pops because each kernel has a tiny bit of water inside it. When the kernels are heated, the water inside heats up to the point where it exerts enough pressure to burst the kernel open. The soft material inside puffs up as it explodes.
Is popcorn a physical or chemical reaction?
Is popping popcorn a physical or a chemical change? Heat and pressure cause a physical change that results in popcorn. The physical changes that occur when making popcorn is the same whether you put the kernels into the microwave, an air-popper or a pan of hot oil.
Why does popcorn lose mass when popped?
The mass of the corn decreases slightly after popping. Popping corn contains a small amount of water. During the popping process this water turns to steam and escapes into the at- mosphere. In this way a small amount of mass is lost.
What is the scientific name for popcorn?
Popcorn (Zea mays everta)
Why does popcorn pop when heated?
As the kernel heats up, the water expands, building pressure against the hard starch surface. Eventually, this outer layer gives way, causing the popcorn to explode. As it explodes, the soft starch inside the popcorn becomes inflated and bursts, turning the kernel inside out.
What is the chemical change in making popcorn?
To summarize, making popcorn results in major changes to the physical shape, and the release of water, but there is no major change in chemical composition. It is no secret how to get the most popped corn from your kernels; you need just the right amount of water in the endosperm and a robust pericarp.
Did a new substance form in popcorn?
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.
What kind of change is cooking popcorn?
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.
Is popcorn actually corn?
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).