Soda Can Crusher

A small amount of water in an aluminum soda can is boiled to fill the can with steam. When the hot can is quickly inverted into cold water, the steam condenses, the internal pressure drops, and outside air pressure crushes the can.

1. Rinse an empty aluminum soda can and add about 1 tablespoon of water to it.
2. Fill a bowl with cold water and place it near the heating surface.
3. Wearing safety glasses, set the can upright on an electric burner or hot plate.
4. Warm the can until you see a strong stream of water vapor from the opening.
5. Grasp the can near its base with tongs.
6. In one smooth motion, lift the can, invert it, and plunge the mouth straight down into the cold water so the rim seals against the surface.
7. Observe the can imploding as water is pushed up into it.
8. Let everything cool before handling.

Crushing a Can with Air Pressure - Andrew Gatt:

Air Pressure Can Crush - Can Implosions - The Sci Guys:

📄 Crushed Can Experiment - Little Bins for Little Hands: https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/air-pressure-can/

📄 Incredible Can Crush - Science World: https://www.scienceworld.ca/resource/incredible-can-crush/

Atmospheric pressure crushes 220 litre drum - Mr Gedge's Geography Channels:

Mythbusters 14×02 Tanker Crush:

• Try different water volumes inside the can (a few drops vs a tablespoon) and note the result.
• Compare cans of different sizes if available.

• Adult supervision required when using any heat source.
• Wear safety goggles, handle the hot can only with tongs.
• Use an electric stove or hot plate on a stable, clear, heat-resistant surface. Keep combustibles away.
• Keep face and body parts away from the can opening during heating and inversion.
• Allow equipment to cool fully before touching or repeating; wipe up any spills promptly.