Hooked on science: Turn a soda can into a Hero engine

Don't pitch that soda can -- you can create your own hero engine like Hero of Alexandria did in the first century.

Ingredients

• Empty soda can
• Nail
• String

Instructions

STEP 1: Using the nail, carefully punch four equally spaced holes along the bottom of the can. Before removing the nail, push the nail toward the left causing the hole to slant in that direction.

STEP 2: Bend the tab of the can straight up and tie about 8 inches of string to the tab.

STEP 3: Fill a sink with water and dip the can into the water until it's completely full.

STEP 4: Suspend the can above the sink by holding the string and watch your soda can hero engine at work.

Explanation

This experiment demonstrates Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. The water rushing out pushes back on the can causing it to spin.

Jason Lindsey is a Science Outreach Educator for the Bootheel Youth Museum. Check out his science blog Hooked On Science at jasonthescienceguysblog.blogspot.com 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.