Crush a Can of Soda
How to crush a can of soda without stomping on it or using a can crusher. This doesn't fully flatten it, but it is pretty cool.
Steps
- Get an empty can of soda. Wash it out thoroughly.
- Put just a small amount of water in the bottom of the can. We're not looking for a lot, but just a dozen or so drops. The temperature doesn't really matter, but lukewarm or cool is better than boiled.
- Get a dish that's wide enough to allow the can to sit in it easily. Fill it with ice-cold water.
- Get some tongs and either a Bunsen burner or if you don't have that, a gas range's burner. Heat the can over the burner until you see steam come out, telling you the water has begun boiling.
- Quickly flip the can upside down (mouth down) into the ice-cold water. The can should collapse in on itself.
- Finished.
Warnings
- Have adult supervision.
- Wear safety goggles!
- If you don't have the tools you need, check with your local school science teacher. They'd probably be willing to do it as it's a great experiment to teach the rudiments of gases.
Things You'll Need
- 1 aluminum soda can, emptied of contents.
- 1 Bunsen burner.
- 1 pair of tongs.
- 1 dish of ice cold water.
