General Question

Trance24's avatar

How does popcorn work...?

Asked by Trance24 (3311points) May 31st, 2008

How is corn able to expand, and form into popcorn. Why is it that popcorn has the puff ball part and then the little kernels attached to it.

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3 Answers

PupnTaco's avatar

Steam, in short.

breedmitch's avatar

I remember from Junior High science that the oil is very important. It ensures that the kernel gets heated evenly from all sides. If you put the corn in dry, the direct contact with the pan will cause the corn to burn on that spot and not pop. I’m assuming that the hot air method works because the corn never sits directly on a heat source, so the whole kernel can heat evenly.

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