9 Answers To Science Questions You All Had As Kids

3. Why Do Rice Krispies Go Snap, Crackle And Pop?

To be honest, the research in the field of Cereal Acoustics is fairly limited. Apparently there are better things to spend government grants on.

Despite this, however, some hero has made it their mission to discover what is it that makes our breakfast go snap crackle and indeed pop.

Basically, Rice Krispies (other rice-based cereals are available) are cooked at an extremely high temperature, creating strong bonds in its molecular structure. This makes it very brittle, much like glass, and it is just as prone to shattering.

When you pour milk on your cereal, the liquid rushes into the cavity in the middle of each grain. This puts the gas inside it under pressure and it essentially blows outwards through any thinner, weaker spots on the surface of the Krispie. This is what you are hearing - lots of tiny little explosions as the windows are essentially blown out of each grain.

Once all of the air pockets are blown out, you can enjoy your cereal in peace. If you don't mind soggy cereal.