EIS 7: Collapsing Can
You are about to do a really fun experiment, and, to avoid spoiling the surprise, that’s all I’ll say about that for now. I’ll let you figure out the rest as you go through the protocol. All of the background information that you need can be found in the lessons, but, as a quick recap, here are some useful definitions:
temperature: the amount of kinetic energy in a system (how much and how quickly the particles are bouncing around); measured using ºF, ºC, and K.
heat: the transfer of energy between systems and surroundings; results in a change in temperature
system: whatever we’re looking at—an ice cube, a pot of water, etc.
surroundings: everything that is not our system, but somehow interacts with it—the container, the surrounding air, the stove we use to heat up the system, etc.
exothermic: the transfer of energy from system to surroundings (letting off heat)
endothermic: the transfer of energy from surroundings to system (taking in heat)
isothermic: no net transfer of energy (heat moving back and forth at the same rate)
And, as a refresher, these are the gas laws we have asked you to know:
temperature: the amount of kinetic energy in a system (how much and how quickly the particles are bouncing around); measured using ºF, ºC, and K.
heat: the transfer of energy between systems and surroundings; results in a change in temperature
system: whatever we’re looking at—an ice cube, a pot of water, etc.
surroundings: everything that is not our system, but somehow interacts with it—the container, the surrounding air, the stove we use to heat up the system, etc.
exothermic: the transfer of energy from system to surroundings (letting off heat)
endothermic: the transfer of energy from surroundings to system (taking in heat)
isothermic: no net transfer of energy (heat moving back and forth at the same rate)
And, as a refresher, these are the gas laws we have asked you to know:
- As we add more gas to a container, the volume will go up (if the container is stretchy like a balloon).
- As we add more gas to a container, the pressure will go up (if the container is not stretchy, like a glass jar).
- As we increase the temperature of a container, the pressure will go up (if the container is not stretchy--if it were, volume would increase). (The same goes for a decrease in temperature—the pressure will go down).
Materials
- An empty soda can (12 oz - the regular size; bigger or smaller should also work, but it’s easiest with this size)
- The experiment works best with standard shape can (i.e. a Coke can works better than a Redbull can)
- We find Sprite cans to be exceptionally sturdy, which is not a good thing for this experiment (honestly, no idea why that is). The flimsier the better! (Store-brand soda cans generally work very well).
- A hot stove or a hot plate/camper stove. If you are working on the stove, we recommend heating the can inside of an otherwise empty pan. Do not do this experiment in the microwave (metal and microwaves do not mix). Always be careful when working around heat! It is best to do this experiment under the supervision of a responsible adult.
- A dish/bucket/pan of ice water. This only needs to be about 1-2 inches deep, but it is okay if it is deeper.
- Tongs for transferring the hot can. We strongly recommend tongs over oven mitts, but if you have confidence in your oven mitts (i.e., they will keep your hands safe and not let the can slip), then proceed at your own risk.
Setup
Make sure all of these items are in close proximity to each other before you begin the experiment. You should be able to grab the can from the stove top and quickly put it in the ice water.
Procedure
1. Find your thermostat and record the temperature in your house.
2. Rinse out your can well - the experiment works best if there is no soda residue in it.
3. Put a little bit of water in your can. It should be somewhere between ⅛ and ¼ full.
4. Put the can on the hot surface and turn it on to medium to high heat.
5. Wait for the water to boil. You should see plenty of steam coming out of the top.
6. Now for the fun part! Pick up the can and quickly dump it upside-down in the ice water. The entire can opening should be sealed off by the water. What happens?
2. Rinse out your can well - the experiment works best if there is no soda residue in it.
3. Put a little bit of water in your can. It should be somewhere between ⅛ and ¼ full.
4. Put the can on the hot surface and turn it on to medium to high heat.
5. Wait for the water to boil. You should see plenty of steam coming out of the top.
6. Now for the fun part! Pick up the can and quickly dump it upside-down in the ice water. The entire can opening should be sealed off by the water. What happens?
- If the answer is “Nothing,” either the water wasn’t boiling enough or the ice bucket wasn’t icy enough. It’s probably the first one. Just empty the can and repeat the experiment (starting with step 3), this time being very patient. You should see lots of steam coming out of your can before you flip it!
- If you so desire, you can do the experiment again (you’ll need a new can).
- If you so desire, we’d love to see your experiment at work! If you have an Instagram and the permission of your relevant responsible adult, share a photo or video with us @eons_learning, #CollapsingCanEons.