Experiment involving Coke and PC Cola

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around an experiment involving the buoyancy of different soda cans (Coke, Pepsi, and PC Cola) when placed in water. Participants explore the reasons behind the differing behaviors of these cans, particularly why PC Cola floats while others sink. The scope includes experimental observations and theoretical explanations related to density and buoyancy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the difference in buoyancy is due to the density of the liquids inside the cans, with PC Cola being less dense than water, possibly because it contains artificial sweeteners that require less mass to achieve sweetness.
  • Others propose that the material of the cans (steel vs. aluminum) might influence the overall density and buoyancy of the cans.
  • One participant questions whether the weight of the PC Cola can is the same as that of other brands, implying a potential chemical interaction with water that could affect density.
  • Another viewpoint suggests that the composition of PC Cola may include a higher percentage of water and less syrup, contributing to its buoyancy.
  • There is a mention of the role of the gas inside the cans, with some arguing that it helps compensate for the density of the liquid, allowing PC Cola to float.
  • A participant emphasizes that the overall density of the entire can and its contents must be considered in relation to the displaced water for buoyancy to occur.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the reasons for the buoyancy differences among the soda cans. There is no consensus on a single explanation, as various factors such as density, composition, and can material are discussed.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the composition of the drinks and the materials of the cans remain unverified. The discussion does not resolve the specific reasons for the observed buoyancy differences.

anniw
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My teacher conducted an experiment in which he dispersed pop cans into a tub full of water. When he dispersed Pepsi cans and Coke cans (including diet) they both sank to the bottom. Contrastingly, when he dispersed the PC Cola can, it floated. I tried finding answers to why this happened but I wasn't successful. Does anyone have an explanation to this?
 
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anniw said:
My teacher conducted an experiment in which he dispersed pop cans into a tub full of water. When he dispersed Pepsi cans and Coke cans (including diet) they both sank to the bottom. Contrastingly, when he dispersed the PC Cola can, it floated. I tried finding answers to why this happened but I wasn't successful. Does anyone have an explanation to this?
Assuming PC cola is sugar free, it's because artificial sweeteners require a very small amount of mass to equal the sweetness of sugar, so that the fluid weighs about the same as water. The small amount of gas in the cans results in enough bouyancy for the sugar free cans to float, in spite of the weight of the can. The sugar based drinks are denser than water, and they sink, because the small amount of gas doesn't compensate for the increased weight of the sugar water.
 
It seems PC cola is less dense than water, whereas the other brands not. Does a can of PC cola weigh the same as other brands in same volume cans? If yes, then I guess PC cola reacts in some way chemically with water so as to make it less dense.

Edit: I thought when you meant disperse, you were talking about pouring the colas into the water.
If you meant whole cans, I think Jeff's explanation is right on the mark.
 
Last edited:
It could also depend on what material the can was made out of. Some companies still use steel and others use aluminium. If all the cans are the same material then there will be something that is in coke and pepsi drinks both diet and normal that makes them more dense than the PC cola. Perhaps PC cola doesn't fill their cans up as much etc.
 
Putting entire sealed cans in is just a function of the density of the liquid in the cans. I would guess that the PC Cola is cheaper and simply has a higher percentage of water and less syrup in it.

CraigD, AMInstP
www.cymek.com

p.s. Lite Beer floats.
 
arunbg said:
It seems PC cola is less dense than water
PC Cola plus the small amount of gas are less dense than water. PC cola will be slightly denser than water, but as mentioned, the small amount of gas is enough to compensate for the density of can and cola.
 
CraigD said:
Putting entire sealed cans in is just a function of the density of the liquid in the cans.

I would have to disagree and say that the density of the whole can and liquid is what is important. The displaced water has to be able to support the weight of the can and the liquid inside.
 

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