DEMONSTRATION #2 - Crumpled can

Supplies:

Empty rectangular can with a screw cap. (The kind of can paint thinner comes in)

Glass of water

Electric stove or other source of heat

Dry towel or pot holder

Old newspaper

Procedure:

1. Pour 1/2 glass of water in can and set it on the stove to boil.
2. When the water in the can boils, put the cap on the can loosely and let it boil for a minute longer.
3. Hold the can with the towel and tighten the can good and tight.
4. Remove the can from the heat source and lay it on it's side on the newspaper.

Explanation:

The boiling water in the can drives the air out of the can creating a partial vacuum. When you seal the can the air pressure outside of the can (14.7psi) crushes the can. (If you want to speed up the crushing process, pour a small amount of cold water on the outside of the can).

Alternative:

Instead of using an empty rectangular can, try using a 2-litre bottle with hot tap water.