Pop Can Collapse

The demonstration dramatically shows a difference in pressure outside and inside an aluminum can. When the can is inverted and dunked in the water, the steam inside the can quickly cools. This rapid drop in temperature causes a drop in pressure. Since the opening of the can is underwater, there is no way for outside air to enter the can. It cannot support the pressure, so the walls collapse.

* Equipment seen in the video may vary from equipment used in ND Demonstrations. See information and images below for ND equipment and setup.

Setup:

Fill the large bowl with water. Put a small amount of water in the aluminum can. (Just enough to cover the bottom.)

Place the can on the hotplate and heat it until steam builds up in the can. Using the tongs quickly flip the can over and into the bowl of water. The can will be crushed.

Notes:

This demonstration may require a little practice to master.

Courses Used In:

Coming Soon

Discussion and Polling Questions:

Coming Soon

Equipment Needed:

• Hotplate

• Water

• Empty Aluminum Can

• Large Bowl or Beaker

• Tongs