How to Crush a Can With Air Pressure

Air pressure surrounds us at all times and generally goes unnoticed. This everyday science experiment using ordinary items like an empty soda can and a bowl of water reminds us of just how powerful air pressure can be. It is powerful enough to crush a soda can in a matter of seconds and cause it to make a satisfying and loud "pop" sound in the end.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Empty aluminum soda can
• Shallow pan or bowl
• Stove or hotplate
• Oven mitt
• Splash-proof safety goggles for everyone in the room

1. Rinse a soda can leaving approximately 2 Tbsp. of water in the bottom of the can.

2. Fill a shallow pan or bowl with cool water.

3. Place the can upright on a very warm stove top or hotplate. Heat the can until you see steam escaping from the opening at the top.

4. Wearing an oven mitt, hold the tongs with your palm facing upward. Grasp the hot can with the tongs and invert it into the pan of cool water. The can's opening should be upside down in the bowl.

5. Hold the can in place and wait for the can to collapse with a loud "pop" sound. This will take only a fraction of a second.

Tips & Warnings

• You can perform this experiment using a variety of different types or sizes of aluminum cans. But do not use a can that has previously contained any flammable material like paint, turpentine or gasoline.
• Do not use a can with a non-metal lining.
• When you flip the can, be sure that no one is standing in a position where the hot water inside the can might splash out and burn them