How Is Air Pressure Calculated in a Crushed Can Experiment?

[bleedblue1234]

Homework Statement

A rectangular metal can with dimensions of 0.234 meters by 0.194 meters by 0.143 meters is used in a physics demonstration to show the force exerted by air pressure. A small quantity of water is poured into the can and brought to a boil. Then the can is capped and allowed to cool, which crushes the can. What is the total force exerted on the can by the air around it, assuming a perfect vacuum inside?

Homework Equations

1 atm = 101300 Pa

The Attempt at a Solution

so just find the area of each of the three sides and multiply by 2

so 2(.234*.194)+2(.194*.143)+2(.234*.143)
and so i got .2132 m^2

so then we know

101300 Pa = N/m^2

so 101300pa * .2132 m^2 = N

so N = 21594.16

am i right?

 

[Redbelly98]

Looks good!