Crush the Can using a Vacuum
Equipment: A pump and a tin quart sized can with a screw cap.
What it does: The pump is attached to the can and is turned on to evacuate the can. The resulting vacuum crushes the can.
Concepts Demonstrated: Air pressure.
Classroom assembly:
- Attach the pump to the can.
- Turn on the pump. The resulting vacuum will crush the can.
Cautions: None.
Setup Time: Short.
Difficulty: Straightforward.
Visibility: High. This demonstration is appropriate for large lecture halls.
Related demonstrations:
References: PIRA 2B30.25
Original Construction: Purchased.
Disclaimer: All demonstrations are posted for the convenience and benefit of faculty and staff in the Department of Physics at Simon Fraser University and are not intended for outside use. The author(s) assume no responsibility or liability for the use of information contained on this site. Warnings and precautionary measures listed on this site assume normal operation of equipment and are not inclusive. Demonstrations may pose a significant hazard and can, in some instances, result in death; reasonable safety precautions must be taken. Demonstrations should be performed by qualified individuals only.
Prepared by Jeff Rudd, 1999
Revised by Laura Schmidt, 2007