No, you cannot pop popcorn in a vacuum.
The ability to pop popcorn relies on the presence of water inside the kernel and a surrounding environment capable of reaching a specific temperature. Here's why a vacuum inhibits this process:
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Lack of Heat Transfer: A vacuum is essentially an absence of matter, making heat transfer extremely inefficient. Popping popcorn requires the kernels to be heated to around 180°C (356°F). In a vacuum, there's no air to conduct heat to the kernels efficiently.
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Water Vapor Pressure: Popcorn pops because the water inside the kernel turns to steam. As the kernel heats, the pressure from the steam increases until the hull ruptures, causing the characteristic "pop." In a vacuum, the boiling point of water drastically decreases. The water inside the kernel would likely vaporize at a much lower temperature and pressure, potentially seeping out before the kernel reaches the pressure needed for popping. It would be more like a slow, uneven drying process than a popping process.
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Experimental Observation: As shown in the provided video excerpt, even at a partial vacuum of 0.1 atmospheres, popcorn kernels do not pop. This observation confirms that a significant atmospheric pressure and heat source are necessary for the process to occur.
In summary, popping popcorn requires efficient heat transfer and pressure buildup within the kernel. A vacuum negates both of these requirements, preventing the popcorn from popping.
