Hooked on science: The collapsing soda can

Did you know you can crush a can by using air? It's another experiment that might get you and your family "Hooked on Science."

Materials

• 1 empty soda can
• Hot plate
• Bowl
• Water
• Ice
• Kitchen tongs

Instructions

STEP 1 : Fill the bowl with ice and water.

STEP 2 : Place 1 tablespoon of water into the empty soda can. Turn the hot plate on high and place the soda can on hot plate.

STEP 3 : Once the water vapor appears above the can use the tongs and grasp the can. QUICKLY flip the can and dip the can into the cold water.

Explanation

You removed the air from inside the can by heating the water and then dipping the can into the icy water. Once the air is removed the air on the outside is so strong it crushes the can.

Jason Lindsey is a Science Outreach Educator for the Bootheel Youth Museum. Check out his Web site "Hooked On Science" at hookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments that might get you hooked on science. Send him your science questions at jlindsey@bootheelyouthmuseum.org. More science experiments can be found at www.semissourian.com.