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Lesson opportunities in an energy-based view of the popping of a kernel of popcorn_
| Event | Cause | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Popping | A kernel pops when it bursts from high pressure inside. | This introduces concepts of gas pressure, material strength, and sudden energy release, and is easily extended to safety with pres- surized vessels in the lab and the kitchen. |
| High pressure | The high pressure is created by steam, confined by the ap- proximately rigid hull of the kernel. | Gas processes are introduced. |
| Steam | Boiling of moisture in the kernel. | Introduction to states of matter and latent heat of vaporization. |
| Energy to boil | The effect of power supplied over a duration of time. | How energy and power are related and visible in everyday life |
| Thermal control | Radiation and convection work against popping in this system. | The effect of lunar-g on convective losses can be discussed. |
| Heating | The Ni-Chrome wire transforms electrical current into heat, which increases the temperature of the kernel. | Resistive heating, electrical current and voltage; Ohm’s Law. |
| A source of energy | Batteries. | The energy to drive current through the wire is supplied by Blue Origin’s batteries. |
| Batteries | Energy is stored in chemical bonds. | Energy in different forms, primary versus rechargeable batteries. |