Un-Popped Kernels Lab Report
The percent change in mass between the total mass of 10 un-popped kernels and total mass of 10 popped kernels was approximately 18.83 %, which is also the same for the percent change of mass between the 1 un-popped kernel and 1 popped kernel. The reason why there’s a percent change in mass is due to the experiment being done in an open system, which is a systematic error. The open system is a systematic error because during the period of time to measure the mass of the popped kernels, the escaped steam from the kernel has already evaporated, thus the error was caused by the experimental design. When a kernel pops, the small amount of water trapped within the kernel turns into steam because of the heat the Bunsen burner creates. As a result, the water inside the kernel exceeds its boiling point due to the pressurized environment the hull creates.
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At the same time, the pressurized steam within the kernel expands and causes the starch to turn into fluffy popcorn. Since the experiment of popping kernels takes place in an open system, the steam from the kernel is able to escape. Therefore, the mass of the water that underwent phase change to gas is lost into the air or evaporated. This systematic error significantly affects the measured data because it causes the total mass of the popped kernels to be 18.83 % less than the total mass of the un-popped kernels. In order to obtain better results when repeating the experiment, the un-popped kernels should be placed within a closed system, such as a vacuum chamber, in which the steam from the kernels would not be able to
At the same time, the pressurized steam within the kernel expands and causes the starch to turn into fluffy popcorn. Since the experiment of popping kernels takes place in an open system, the steam from the kernel is able to escape. Therefore, the mass of the water that underwent phase change to gas is lost into the air or evaporated. This systematic error significantly affects the measured data because it causes the total mass of the popped kernels to be 18.83 % less than the total mass of the un-popped kernels. In order to obtain better results when repeating the experiment, the un-popped kernels should be placed within a closed system, such as a vacuum chamber, in which the steam from the kernels would not be able to