GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Air pressure is the weight of the atmosphere pressing down around us. Humans don't feel this pressure because we're made of air too - air that is the same inside us as it is on the outside.
It's when the pressure differs that comes into play in this experiment, so let's crush some cans and explore air pressure!
*CAUTION: Adult supervision is required for this experiment.
Items you'll need:
- Ice water
- Empty pop can
- Heat source, like a Bunsen burner or stove top
- Tongs
- Protective goggles
Procedure:
- Add a small amount of ice water into the pop can, about 1 Tbsp.
- Place the can onto a heat source. If you have to use a gas stove top, use a pot or pan over the burner and place the can inside.
- The water inside the can will start to boil after a short time. You may see steam coming out of the can lip or hear the water bubble.
- Take the tongs and firmly grab the can with them. Quickly flip the can upside-down into the ice water and watch the can pop! Adult help is recommended for this step.
How it works:
The water inside the pop can begins to heat up and produce steam. The can is then placed in the cold water bowl and the opening of the can is sealed.
The water vapor condenses back into a liquid and takes up a lot less space than the vapor, so the pressure inside the can becomes low. The air pressure outside the air has not changed during the experiment and is able to crumple the can immediately.
Be sure to tune into 13 ON YOUR SIDE Mornings every Friday to see Meteorologist Laura Hartman share more kid-friendly science experiments!
RELATED VIDEO:
Check out these other fun experiments Laura has shared:
- Inflate a balloon using chemistry in this at-home experiment
- Here's how to make Oobleck slime at home with the kids
- Science experiments from a pro: The Bearded Science Guy shows off a fire tornado
- Watch water defy gravity with this science experiment
- Tackle chemistry in the kitchen by making Elephant Toothpaste
- Kids bored at home? Try this experiment exploring air pressure
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.