Concepts

Air pressure

Overview

Water in an aluminum pop can is heated on a hot plate. When sufficiently hot, inverting the can and immersing the opening in cold water will cause the can to collapse inwards. Hot water vapour cools very quickly, reducing the gas pressure inside the can, allowing atmospheric pressure to crush it.

Details

Equipment

• [1] Pop can
• [1] Hot plate
• [1] Large plastic tub
  
• Water
  

Safety Equipment

• [1] Safety glasses
• [2] Safety glove
• [1] Forceps

Classroom Assembly

1. Put a small amount of water in the can.
2. Put the can on the hot plate.
3. Plug in the hot plate.
4. Add water to the plastic container to a depth of a few cm.
   

Important Notes

• Be careful around hot objects that can give you burns.
• Be sure to turn off the hot plate when done.

Script

1. Put on safety glasses. Put on safety gloves or use the forceps.
   
2. Turn on the hot plate.
3. When steam comes out of the can, invert the can over the plastic container, careful not to spill hot water on yourself or anything important.
4. Immerse the opening of the pop can in the water. The can should collapse.
5. Turn off the hot plate.
   

Additional Resources