The secret why corn kernels can become popcorn lies in the effects of temperature and pressure.

This question is an activity question on Alipay Ant Manor. Choose one of the effects of temperature and pressure and the chemical reaction of sugar. The answer is the former. This is because during the heating process, the temperature in the pot changes. As it continues to rise, the pressure of the gas in the pot also continues to increase. When the temperature rises to a certain level, the rice grains will gradually soften and most of the water in the rice grains will turn into water vapor. Due to the high temperature, the pressure of water vapor is very high, causing the softened rice grains to expand.

But at this time, the pressure inside and outside the rice grains is balanced, so the rice grains will not explode in the pot. When the pressure in the pot rises to 4-5 atmospheres, the top cover of the popcorn pot is suddenly opened. The gas in the pot expands rapidly and the pressure decreases quickly, causing the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the rice grains to increase, causing the high-pressure water vapor inside the rice grains to also It expands rapidly and pops the rice grains instantly to become popcorn.

The steps to make popcorn from corn kernels are as follows:

Material preparation: 2 handfuls of self-exploding corn kernels (100 grams), 10 grams of butter (or salad oil), 2 tablespoons of sugar etc.

1. Add butter to the pot and heat over low heat.

2. Add corn kernels, cover the lid, turn on high heat, cover the pot, and you can hear the crackling sound for about 1 minute.

3. After hearing the crackling sound, turn down the heat to low, do not lift the lid of the pot, pick up the wok with your hands and keep shaking it.

4. This process lasts for about 3 minutes, and the sound gradually becomes smaller. When the sound almost disappears, you can open the lid of the pot.

5. You can see that the corn kernels have been popped into popcorn. Immediately add two spoons of sugar, then stir with a shovel. When the sugar melts and touches the popcorn, turn off the heat. The sweet popcorn is done.