Hooked on Science: Soda can pedestal

Materials

• Two empty soda cans
• Bathroom scale
• Several heavy books
• Rubber bands

Instructions

• STEP 1: Place the empty soda can, vertically, on a flat surface. Grab two heavy books and weigh them. Center the books on the can, so the can and the books remain standing. What happens to the can and books? Why?
• STEP 2: Using the rubber bands, shoot the side of the can until you cause a dent in the side of the can, and observe. What happens to the can and the book? Why?
• STEP 3: Grab several more heavy books, and -- using the bathroom scale -- determine the weight of the books. Center the books on the can so the can and the books remain standing. What happens to them? Why?
• STEP 4: Using the rubber bands, shoot the side of the can until you cause a dent in the side of the can, and observe. What happens to the can and the books? Why?
• STEP 5: Compare what happens to the motion of the can and books when different strengths of pushes and pulls are applied. What are the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of the can and books?

Explanation

Soda cans are stronger than you may think. This experiment shows how an empty soda can has enough strength to hold up 25 pounds of books.