How Does the Ideal Gas Law Explain the Crushing of a Can?

[Kelly-Anne]

Homework Statement

Fill the sauce pan with tap water. Set it close to the stove.
Place about 2 tablespoons of water into the empty can.
Heat the can on the stove until the water inside boils. This will not take long. You will see water vapor coming out of the top of the can when it is boiling.
Pick up the can with the tongs, immediately turn it upside down, then place the can in the water and pan.

Homework Equations

1. What happened when you put the can in the water?

2. Why did this happen? Make sure you relate why this happened to the changes in pressure inside and outside the can.

3. Why did you have to turn the can upside down?

4. What gas law would account for what happened?

5. Explain how your choice of this gas law is supported by your observations.

 

[Borek]

So, what you have seen when doing the experiment?