Final answer:
Oil doesn't directly affect the % of water in popcorn, but demonstrates the concept of lubrication on wet surfaces. The percentage of water in popcorn influences the mass calculation, critical for accurate experimental data. Oil's lower density than water explains its behavior in experiments and real-world scenarios, like road conditions after rain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The oil in the experiment serves as a demonstration of how lubrication affects the movement of objects on a wet surface. In the context of the student's experiment on popcorn, oil does not directly impact the % of water in the popcorn, but in the given table, oil's lower mass to volume ratio than water indicates that oil will float on water, which is a different concept.
However, the percentage of water in popcorn does matter because it directly affects the mass of the popcorn. Having a correct initial mass is crucial for accurate calculations, whether this is for the purpose of calculating density, or in a broader context, for calculating yields in chemical reactions as mentioned in the review section.
When a plastic object is tapped on a wet surface, resistance increases, reducing the distance it travels. Adding oil reduces the friction further, causing the object to glide effortlessly, leading to safety considerations for drivers on roadways. Understanding the physical properties of oil and water, such as density and the ability to lubricate, is essential in various practical applications, from cooking to road safety.