Hooked on Science: Plunger power

A plunger isn't just for unclogging the toilet.

Materials

* Two plungers

Instructions

STEP 1: Press the two plunger cups together.

STEP 2: Attempt to separate the plunger cups.

Explanation

Suction occurs when there is a difference in air pressure. You created this difference when you pressed the two plunger cups together. By doing this, you forced out the air from inside each plunger cup reducing the pressure from within.

Jason Lindsey is a science outreach educator with Hooked on Science. Check out his website www.hookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments that might get you hooked on science. Send him your science questions at jlindseyhookedonscience.com. More science experiments can be found at www.semissourian.com.