What To Know
- When you reach for a bag of potato chips on a flight, you may wonder if the change in air pressure will cause them to burst.
- Potato chips burst in an airplane because the air pressure outside the cabin decreases as the airplane ascends, creating a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the bag.
- You can prevent your potato chips from bursting in an airplane by choosing chips with sturdy packaging, keeping them cool, and opening the bag slowly and eating them quickly.
When you reach for a bag of potato chips on a flight, you may wonder if the change in air pressure will cause them to burst. The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. It all boils down to the science of gases and the packaging of the chips.
Air Pressure and Gas Expansion
As an airplane ascends, the air pressure outside the cabin decreases. This creates a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the bag, causing the air inside to expand. If the bag is not designed to withstand this pressure change, it can burst.
The Role of Chip Packaging
The packaging of potato chips plays a crucial role in preventing them from bursting. Most potato chip bags are made of a flexible material that can expand and contract with changes in pressure. This allows the air inside the bag to expand without causing the bag to break.
However, some types of chip packaging are not as effective at preventing bursting. For example, bags with a thin or weak seal may not be able to withstand the pressure change and could rupture.
Factors that Influence Bursting
In addition to the packaging, several other factors can influence whether or not potato chips will burst in an airplane. These include:
Altitude
The higher the altitude, the greater the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the bag. This means that chips are more likely to burst at higher altitudes.
Temperature
The temperature of the chips can also affect their likelihood of bursting. Warm chips are more likely to burst than cold chips because the air inside the bag is more likely to expand when heated.
Chip Shape and Size
The shape and size of the chips can also play a role. Thinner chips are more likely to burst than thicker chips, and larger chips are more likely to burst than smaller chips.
How to Prevent Potato Chips from Bursting
If you want to avoid having your potato chips burst in an airplane, there are a few things you can do:
Choose Chips with Sturdy Packaging
Look for chips that are packaged in a thick, flexible bag with a strong seal.
Keep Chips Cool
Store your chips in a cool place before your flight. This will help to keep the air inside the bag from expanding too much.
Open the Bag Slowly
When you open the bag of chips on the plane, do it slowly and carefully. This will help to prevent the air from expanding too quickly and bursting the bag.
Eat Quickly
Once you open the bag, eat the chips quickly. This will help to prevent the air from expanding too much and causing the bag to burst.
What to Do if Your Chips Burst
If your potato chips do burst in an airplane, don’t panic. Here are a few things you can do:
Clean Up the Mess
Use a napkin or tissue to clean up any spilled chips or crumbs.
Ask for a New Bag
If you have another bag of chips, ask a flight attendant for a new one.
Enjoy Your Chips
Even if your chips burst, you can still enjoy them. Just be careful not to make a mess!
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Why do potato chips burst in an airplane?
A: Potato chips burst in an airplane because the air pressure outside the cabin decreases as the airplane ascends, creating a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the bag. If the bag is not designed to withstand this pressure change, it can burst.
Q: What types of potato chips are most likely to burst in an airplane?
A: Thin, large, and warm potato chips are more likely to burst in an airplane than thick, small, and cold chips.
Q: How can I prevent my potato chips from bursting in an airplane?
A: You can prevent your potato chips from bursting in an airplane by choosing chips with sturdy packaging, keeping them cool, and opening the bag slowly and eating them quickly.
Q: What should I do if my potato chips burst in an airplane?
A: If your potato chips burst in an airplane, clean up the mess and ask a flight attendant for a new bag. You can still enjoy your chips, even if they burst.
Q: Can I bring potato chips on an airplane?
A: Yes, you can bring potato chips on an airplane. However, be sure to pack them in a sturdy bag and keep them cool to prevent them from bursting.
