Airplane turbulence vs. potato chips: will they withstand the pressure?

Air travel is a common experience for many people, and one of the most popular snacks to enjoy during a flight is a bag of potato chips. However, you may have wondered if potato chips will burst in airplane due to the changes in air pressure. This blog post will delve into the science behind this phenomenon and provide insights into the factors that influence whether or not potato chips will burst during a flight.

Air Pressure and Its Effects

Air pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the air above a given point. As altitude increases, the air pressure decreases. This is because there is less air above a given point at higher altitudes.

The air pressure inside a sealed bag of potato chips is the same as the air pressure outside the bag. When the airplane climbs to a higher altitude, the air pressure outside the bag decreases. This creates a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the bag.

The Role of the Bag

The type of bag used for packaging potato chips can significantly impact whether or not they will burst in airplane. Bags that are made of a flexible material, such as plastic, will allow the air inside the bag to expand as the air pressure decreases. This will prevent the bag from bursting.

Bags that are made of a rigid material, such as metal, will not allow the air inside the bag to expand. This can cause the bag to burst if the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the bag becomes too great.

The Size of the Bag

The size of the bag can also affect whether or not potato chips will burst in airplane. Smaller bags will have less air inside them, which means that the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the bag will be smaller. This makes it less likely that the bag will burst.

Larger bags will have more air inside them, which means that the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the bag will be greater. This makes it more likely that the bag will burst.

The Altitude of the Flight

The altitude of the flight can also affect whether or not potato chips will burst in airplane. The higher the altitude, the lower the air pressure. This means that the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the bag will be greater at higher altitudes. This makes it more likely that the bag will burst at higher altitudes.

Tips to Prevent Potato Chips from Bursting

If you are concerned about potato chips bursting in airplane, there are a few things you can do to prevent it:

• Choose potato chips that are packaged in a flexible bag.
• Choose a smaller bag of potato chips.
• Open the bag of potato chips before the airplane takes off. This will allow the air pressure inside the bag to equalize with the air pressure outside the bag.

Takeaways: Will Potato Chips Burst in Airplane?

The answer to the question of whether or not potato chips will burst in airplane is not a simple yes or no. It depends on a number of factors, including the type of bag, the size of the bag, and the altitude of the flight. However, by following the tips provided in this blog post, you can reduce the likelihood of potato chips bursting in airplane.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Why do potato chips burst in airplane?
A: Potato chips burst in airplane due to the change in air pressure. As the airplane climbs to a higher altitude, the air pressure outside the bag decreases. This creates a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the bag, which can cause the bag to burst.

Q: What type of bag is best for preventing potato chips from bursting in airplane?
A: Flexible bags are best for preventing potato chips from bursting in airplane. Flexible bags allow the air inside the bag to expand as the air pressure decreases, which prevents the bag from bursting.

Q: What size bag of potato chips is less likely to burst in airplane?
A: Smaller bags of potato chips are less likely to burst in airplane because they have less air inside them. This means that the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the bag is smaller, which makes it less likely that the bag will burst.

Q: What is the best way to prevent potato chips from bursting in airplane?
A: The best way to prevent potato chips from bursting in airplane is to choose a flexible bag, a smaller bag, and to open the bag before the airplane takes off. This will allow the air pressure inside the bag to equalize with the air pressure outside the bag, which will reduce the likelihood of the bag bursting.

Q: What should I do if my bag of potato chips bursts in airplane?
A: If your bag of potato chips bursts in airplane, you should clean up the mess as best as you can. You may also want to notify a flight attendant so that they can assist you with cleaning up the mess.