why does popcorn seem to pop at a somewhat consistent rate regardless of the amount, instead of all of them popping closer to at the same time?

Question

why does popcorn seem to pop at a somewhat consistent rate regardless of the amount, instead of all of them popping closer to at the same time?

In: Physics

Answer 1

The simple answer is this. Only the bottom layer of kernels is contacting the hot thing. Whether it’s the pan on the stove or foil liner in the microwave pack. Once a kernel pops it floats to the top and new unpopped kernels sink. That’s also why it doesn’t burn until almost all the kernels are popped.