The Science behind Can Crushing: Exploring the Effects of Atmospheric Pressure on Empty Containers

The unbalanced outside force from atmospheric pressure crushes the can.

When a can is crushed, it is due to the unbalanced outside force exerted by atmospheric pressure

When a can is crushed, it is due to the unbalanced outside force exerted by atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the air in the Earth’s atmosphere. This force is constantly pressing down on all surfaces exposed to the air, including the surface of the can.

The key concept to understand here is that pressure is defined as force divided by area. The larger the area over which a force is distributed, the lower the pressure it exerts. Conversely, a smaller area will experience a higher pressure for the same force applied.

In the case of a can, the inside is sealed off from the outside, creating a closed container. When the can is empty or partially filled, there is air inside the can. However, when the can is heated or boiled, the air inside the can starts to expand as it gains heat energy. This expansion increases the volume of the air molecules, causing them to push against the walls of the can.

When the can is suddenly immersed in cold water or an ice bath, the temperature of the air inside rapidly decreases, causing the air molecules to lose energy and contract. As a result, the volume of the air decreases, which lowers the pressure inside the can.

At the same time, the atmospheric pressure outside the can remains constant. This creates an unbalance of forces, whereby the higher outside pressure compresses the now lower-pressure air inside the can. The walls of the can are not strong enough to withstand the force exerted by the atmospheric pressure, leading to the collapse or crushing of the can.

In summary, the can is crushed due to the unbalanced force from atmospheric pressure. The sudden change in temperature and volume of air inside the can creates a pressure difference that causes the can to collapse under the higher atmospheric pressure outside.

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