======Shaken Soda Can Race======


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**Alternative titles:** Soda Can Rolling Experiment
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  -Place two identical unopened soda cans at the top of a smooth incline.  
  -Shake one of the cans vigorously for several seconds to generate foam inside.  
  -Release both cans at the same time and observe which one reaches the bottom first.  
  -Repeat the test to confirm results.  
  -Discuss how the foam and bubbles inside the shaken can influence its motion.



====Links==== 
The Shaken-Soda Cans experiment - Kids Fun Science: 
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Which Can of Beer Has Been Shaken - Chemistry Europe: [[https://www.chemistryviews.org/details/video/11159200/Which_Can_of_Beer_Has_Been_Shaken/]]\\

====Variations====
  * Test cans at different temperatures (cold vs. room temperature) to see if foam formation changes.  
  * Compare the race results with other carbonated beverages (sparkling water, seltzer).




====Safety Precautions====
  * Perform the experiment on a stable incline free from obstacles.  
  * Do not open the shaken can immediately after rolling to avoid spraying soda.  
  * Clean up any spills from leaks to prevent slipping hazards.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does the unshaken can roll faster? (Because its contents remain mostly liquid, giving it a different moment of inertia compared to the shaken can with foam.)  
  * How does foam affect energy transfer inside the can? (Foam distributes unevenly, causing more energy to be absorbed by the fluid rather than translating into motion.)  
  * What role does density play in this experiment? (Liquid is denser than foam, so the unshaken can has more compact mass distribution, rolling more efficiently.)  
  * How does this demonstration connect to the concept of moment of inertia? (The shaken can’s altered mass distribution increases its effective moment of inertia, slowing it down.)