If I take an empty ordinary drinks bottle, place it in my mouth and

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of atmospheric pressure and its effects on an empty drinks bottle when suction is applied. Participants explore the implications of this effect in different environments, particularly on Earth and in space.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • James proposes that the collapse of the bottle is due to reduced pressure inside the bottle and the atmospheric pressure acting on it.
  • One participant confirms James' understanding with a simple "Yes."
  • James expresses a desire to understand the concept better.
  • Another participant questions whether the same effect would occur in space.
  • A participant explains that if the bottle were uncapped in space, it would have a near-perfect vacuum, potentially causing lips to be sucked into the bottle, but also notes the risk of freezing due to lack of atmosphere.
  • Another participant argues that in space, an uncapped bottle would not change shape because there would be no air inside or outside to create a pressure difference, contrasting with the situation on Earth where atmospheric pressure acts on the bottle.
  • One participant humorously acknowledges their earlier confusion, attributing it to alcohol consumption.
  • Another participant expresses satisfaction with the explanations provided.
  • A side conversation about alcohol limits and personal anecdotes occurs, indicating a casual tone among some participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic principle of atmospheric pressure affecting the bottle on Earth, but there is disagreement regarding the scenario in space and the effects of vacuum conditions.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about atmospheric conditions and the effects of pressure in different environments remain unresolved, particularly regarding the implications of vacuum in space.

jamesd2008
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If I take an empty ordinary drinks bottle, place it in my mouth and suck, the sides collapse in wards. Is this because I have reduced the pressure in the bottle and the weight of the atmosphere is crushing it?

Thanks in advance
James
 
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Yes.
 


Wow, ok thanks. Just trying to absorb this.
 


So if I was in space would this happen?
 


If you were in space and the bottle was uncapped, it would have a near-perfect vacuum inside. In such a case, it would suck your lips into the bottle and make you wish that you had remained on Earth. That is assuming that you could maintain your own atmosphere while doing so; otherwise, there would be no reaction. Your lips would freeze as soon as you stick them out of your helmet.
 


If an uncapped bottle is in space, there no air inside either inside or out. There is nothing to suck. If you try to use, say a bicycle pump, to suck the can, you'll just move the lever up without any resistance like you'd move a free rod. The can will not change shape.

On Earth's surface, there is a >100 000 feet column of air above the bottle that squeezes and deforms it when its air is sucked out.
 


Believe it or not, Doc, that was sort of what I was trying to say. I'm afraid that a modicum of alcohol got between my brain and my typing fingers. :redface:
 


Thanks everyone, that all makes sense :-)!
 


Yeah, where I live, the alcohol limit went down to like 0.05 recently. I guess that still hasn't made it to the forums.

(You got some of that stuff for me?...)

(Hmm... one of these days, I got to try that Danger Special Davec was talking about in another post...:-p)
 

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