Creating the collapsing can

It's around us, but we don't notice it until it changes. It's air pressure, and in the next KFVS-12 Heartland Science Lab science reporter Jason Lindsey will show what happens when you remove the air from inside a soda can.

Ingredients

• An empty soft drink Can
• A bowl
• Ice
• Kitchen tongs
• Hot plate

Instructions

Step 1: Fill the pan with cold water and ice.

Step 2: Put 1 tablespoon of water into the empty can and heat the can on the kitchen stove or hot plate. When the water boils a cloud of condensed vapor will escape from the opening of the can. Allow the water to boil for about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Using the tongs grasp the can, turn it upside-down, and quickly dip it into the ice water. The can should collapse instantly.

Explanation

What caused the collapse? When you heat the can you cause the water in it to boil. The vapor from the boiling water pushed all air out of the can. When the can was filled with water vapor, you then suddenly cooled it by placing it into the cold water. Cooling the can caused the water vapor in the can to condense, leaving the can empty. When the can was empty the pressure of the air outside crushed it.

KFVS and the Southeast Missourian are teaming up for science. Every Tuesday, you'll find an experiment from the KFVS Heartland Science Lab in the Class of 2morrow section of the Southeast Missourian. Grab the ingredients and join KFVS science reporter Jason Lindsey live on KFVS at 5 p.m. every Wednesday for a blast of science fun that might get you and your family hooked on science. More science experiences can be found at www.kfvs12.com and www.semissourian.com.