Question: What makes popcorn pop?

Gemma Staite answered on 23 Jun 2012:

Water is what allows popcorn to pop. A popcorn kernel contains water, not much but enough to have such an affect. As the popcorn is heated, the water also heats. When the water vaporises, it expands and this creates pressure. Eventually he pressure gets too high and causes the kernel to explode, releasing the pressure and causing the pop.