Essay About Percentage Weight Loss Of Popcorn Kernels And Different Brands

Percentage Water Content in Popcorn Kernels
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Core Skills: Error LabAbstractThe purpose of this experiment was to calculate and compare the percentage weight loss of popcorn kernels from two different brands. This was achieved by measuring the mass of 10 kernels from each of the popcorn brands before and after popping.Measuring the weight difference made it possible to know how much water was present in the kernel. The measurements showed that the unpopped ‘Brand B’ kernel had a higher initial and final mass than the ‘Brand A’ kernel. However, it had a lower percentage of weight loss (9.58% and15.69% respectively) which meant it was comprised of less water. Brand A kernels had the optimum water composition; whilst the Brand B kernels were over-dried at a 9.58% water composition is significantly lower than the optimum 14-15%. As a result of the higher moisture content Brand A was more visually stimulating than its counterpart.IntroductionThe objective of this investigation was to measure the average percent of water, contained in the kernels of the 2 different popcorn brands that were chosen.Popping corn, commonly referred to as ‘popcorn’ is a unique type of corn that pops and expands when heated. 1 Popcorn is primarily made up of starch but it also has some water, fat and proteins. It has a hard resistant external layer called a hull-under the hull there exists a dense opaque starch layer-it also has an innermost layer which is also a starch that has irregular polygons and clear grains. What makes popcorn an extraordinary corn is the high proportions of the clear starch in its inner layer. These proportions are what make it possible for popcorn to expand 20-40 times of its original volume.2 It has been proposed that popcorn should contain 13-15% percent of water in order to attain maximum expansion. 3As the kernel is heated the water inside it turns into steam and expands increasing the pressure. Popping happens at temperatures of 450K, which is equivalent to a pressure of 135 psi inside the kernel, the hull cannot withstand this pressure. Most of the water in the kernel is superheated at the moment of popping which provides the driving force required for the expansion of the kernel once the external hull bursts.4ExperimentEquipment Required:Popcorn kernelsBunsen burnersafety glassesflask (glass)heat-resistant glovesclampProcedure:Pick out 10 kernels from each brand of popcornWeigh each kernel of popcorn and record the measurementsSecurely attach the clamp onto the flaskPop the kernels one at a time by placing it in a flask and heating the flask gently over the Bunsen burner. (Use the clamp to hold the flask over the Bunsen burner). Ensure that safety goggles and heat-resistant gloves are worn.As soon as the kernel pops, proceed to remove it from the flask. (Do this as quickly as possible to prevent the popcorn from burning)Weigh the popped popcorn and record the measurementsPotential Hazards:Take the necessary precautions when heating the popcorn with the Bunsen burner to prevent any burnsDo not eat the popcorn, as a laboratory is not a safe environment to ingest foodResultsBrand A[pic 1]Figure (I) a table showing the initial weight of Brand A kernels. Along with its mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation

[pic 2]Figure (II) is a table showing the final weight of Brand A kernels. Along with the mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation[pic 3]Figure (III) is a table showing the weight change of Brand A kernels. Along with the mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variationBrand B[pic 4]Figure (IV) is a table showing the initial weight of Brand B kernels. Along with the mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation[pic 5]Figure (V) is a table showing the final weight of Brand B kernels. Along with the mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation[pic 6]Figure (VI) is a table showing the weight change of Brand B kernels. Along with the mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation[pic 7]Average weight (mg)[pic 8][pic 9][pic 10][pic 11]353025[pic 12]Brand A  [pic 13]Brand B20151050Number of Observations024810126Figure (VII) is a scatter graph showing the average weight change of both brands of popcorn plotted against the number of observations[pic 14][pic 15][pic 16][pic 17]Standard deviation of weight change[pic 18][pic 19][pic 20][pic 21]