Why does popcorn pop?
Popcorn pops because a tiny drop of water hides inside each hard kernel.
Pip’s answer
- Popcorn pops because a tiny drop of water hides inside each hard kernel.
- When it gets hot, the water turns into steam and pushes hard.
- The shell bursts open, and pop, the soft white inside puffs out!
- Wow-ee, one tiny kernel can puff up many times bigger!
Try it together
Can you crouch small, then pop up like popcorn?
For grown-ups
Each popcorn kernel holds a small amount of water inside a hard, sealed shell. When heated to about 180 °C, the water turns to steam and pressure builds until the shell bursts. The soft starch inside puffs up and quickly sets into the fluffy shape we eat.
Ask your child: Why do you think some kernels don't pop?
More questions kids ask
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- 🍎Why do things fall down?
- 🧲Why do magnets stick?
- 🫧Why are bubbles round?
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