Simon Fraser University

Demo

Crush the Can with a Vacuum

Overview



What it does:

A vacuum pump is attached to a can and turned on. The resulting vacuum will crush the can.

Concepts demonstrated:

Air pressure.

Demonstration details


  • Equipment: A pump and a screw-cap tin can with about one quart capacity.
  • Setup time: Short
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Visibility: High. This demonstration is appropriate for large lecture halls.
  • Classroom assembly:
    1. Attach the pump to the can.
    2. Turn on the pump. The resulting vacuum will crush the can.

Additional resources



References:
  • PIRA 2B30.25

Disclaimer: Don't attempt this at home.

Credits: Prepared by Jeff Rudd, 1999
Revised by Laura Schmidt, 2007