Can Experiment

 Can Experiment

Aim: To see what happens when you put a heated can in cold water

Hypothesis: The can will get squashed when put into the cold water

Equipment:

• Cold & Hot Water
• Can
• Element
• Ice Cream Container
• Tongs

 Method:

1. Fill the can with hot water, about a quarter way
2. Fill the Ice Cream Container with cold water, ice-cold water if possible.
3. Put the can on top of the hot water and wait for it to steam.
4. Once it starts to steam put it straight into the Ice Cream Container that is filled with Cold Water
5. Pop!

Results:

My groups experiment did exactly what it was supposed to do on the first try.

The can was squished when it hit the cold water.

Discussion: 

Before heating, the can is filled with water and air. When boiling the water, the water changes states from a liquid to a gas (Water Vapor) The water vapor pushes the air that was originally inside the can out into the atmosphere. When the can is turned upside down and placed in the water, the mouth of the can forms an airtight seal against the surface of the water in the bowl. In just a split second, all of the water vapor that pushed the air out of the can and filled up the inside of the can turns into only a drop or two of liquid, which takes up much less space.