The Action |
A regular aluminum pop can is crushed in a fraction of a second. | ||
Grade Level |
Grade 7 - Temperature and Heat Grade 9 - The Atmosphere Grade 10 - Physical Science |
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Materials |
Empty aluminum can Beaker tongs (to hold the can during heating) 4 Litre plastic pail of water A burner or electric heat source |
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Instructions |
Pour a small amount of water into the aluminum can (~10 mL) Holding the can with the beaker tongs, hold the can over the heat source until the water inside it boils and steam is coming out. Quickly invert the can inside the plastic pail of water. The opening of the can must be well submerged in the water. The can collapses with a resounding pop. |
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Safety |
Be careful using the burner or heater. The can is very hot when the water is boiling. | ||
Hints |
For best results the water in the can should be boiling rapidly so steam is coming out and the water in the bucket should be fairly cool. Immersion in the water should be done in one very rapid motion. | ||
Science Principle |
The steam forces all the air out of the can. When the can is inverted into the water the steam cools very rapidly and condenses back to water. The pressure in the can falls rapidly and the atmospheric pressure crushes the can. The collapse is so rapid that a "pop" sound is heard. | ||
Video Clip |
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