What’s with the popcorn kernels that don’t pop?

Question

I have no idea what the right flair for this is, sorry.

In: Physics

Answer 1

In my experience usually it’s because they don’t get hot fast enough and so the shell just cracks letting all the steam out and they never explode. The best way to get around this is to heat the pan with the oil in it to about 350° and then put all the kernels in. This way you have very few old maids left at the bottom.

Answer 2

Popcorn pops because of steam pressure. The inside of the kernel contains starch and water, which are contained in a hard shell. When you heat it, the starch liquifies and the water turns to steam. When the steam pressure gets high enough, the shell explodes, the starch instantly solidifies, and the corn is popped.

If the shell is broken, steam won’t build up. Bad kernel

If it is too dried out, not enough pressure will build up. Bad kernal

Answer 3

[removed]