Re: what would happen If we would take popcorn into space? would it pop or not?

Q:
What would happen If we would take popcorn into space? Would it pop or not? Also explain why will it pop or not. Thank you and I hope You can answer my question.

A:
Hello Ken,
Popcorn pops because moisture trapped within the kernel expands when heated and increases the pressure inside. When the pressure becomes high enough the kernel explodes. Now, when you ask about popcorn in space I'm assuming you mean inside a spacecraft of some kind in Earth orbit. The criteria for popcorn to pop are only that there be moisture within the kernel and that the kernel shell be sealed so as to not allow the easy escape of expanding gas. There is no reason that these criteria could not be met in space. So yes, popcorn could pop in space.

I hope that helps,
Bryan Méndez