Skip Navigation
I4-19. Condensation Of Steam - Soda Can Collapse
Search
- Sections
- A. General Materials & Mathematics
- B. Statics
- C. Kinematics & Dynamics
- D. Rotational Mechanics
- E. Gravitation & Astronomy
- F. Fluid Mechanics
- G. Vibrations & Mechanical Waves
- H. Sound
- I. Thermodynamics
- J. Electrostatics & Magnetostatics
- K. Electromagnetic Principles
- L. Geometrical Optics
- M. Wave Optics
- N. Spectra & Color
- O. Vision
- P. Modern Physics
I4-19. Condensation Of Steam - Soda Can Collapse
Purpose
Surprising demonstration using condensation of steam.
Equipment
Heater with soda cans and water, container of cold water, tongs or glove to hold hot can.
Setup Time
5 minutes.
Images
Description
A soda can with a small amount of water in the bottom is heated until the water boils, filling the can with steam. Very quickly the can is removed from the heater and inserted upside down into a container of cold water. The steam condenses so quickly that the can collapses, as seen in the photograph. ◙This is quite a dramatic demonstration, and gets a good reaction from students.◙
References
James McGahan, Collapsing Soda Cans and Efficiency, TPT 28, 550-551 (1990).
-
See pagesi1. thermal properties of matter
-
See pagesi2. transfer of heat
-
See pagesi3. gases
-
See pagesi4. changes of state
-
See pagesi5. laws of thermodynamics
-
-
-
See pagesi1. thermal properties of matter
-
See pagesi2. transfer of heat
-
See pagesi3. gases
-
See pagesi4. changes of state
-
See pagesi5. laws of thermodynamics
-
-
Physics Lab Demos