But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
How Do Popcorn Kernels Pop?
Jan 20, 2017
Join experts Riley Woodford, a wildlife specialist from Alaska, Linda Holmes, an NPR pop culture journalist, and Brian Robinson from the world's largest zipper company for a lively discussion! Discover the fascinating science of how popcorn kernels pop and the role of moisture and heat. Learn about salmon's incredible journey home using their sense of smell and Earth’s magnetic field. Plus, unravel the mechanics of zippers, and explore how they're used even in NASA spacesuits—it's a fun blend of science, nature, and pop culture!
26:17
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Quick takeaways
- Popcorn kernels pop due to their hard outer shell and moisture content, which creates steam pressure upon heating.
- Salmon navigate thousands of miles back to their birthplace using Earth's magnetic field and their keen sense of smell.
Deep dives
How Popcorn Kernels Pop
Popcorn kernels pop due to the unique structure of the kernel, which includes a hard outer husk and a small amount of water within. When heated, the water turns to steam, creating pressure until the kernel can no longer contain it, leading to an explosive pop that transforms the kernel into the fluffy snack. This process produces various shapes as the soft endosperm rapidly cools and solidifies upon contact with the air. Notably, the specific type of corn used for popcorn differs from other types, as only this variety has the right moisture level and hard shell to pop effectively.
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