2006-09-27 09:01:39 · 6 answers · asked by consumer 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The can wouldn't collapse unless there was a tight lid on it. As a vapor cools, the pressure it exerts on a sealed container is lessened. If the vapor cools to the point where the pressure inside the sealed can is less than the atmospheric pressure, the outside air will crush the can.
2006-09-27 10:54:53 · answer #1 · answered by 1,1,2,3,3,4, 5,5,6,6,6, 8,8,8,10 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it has been sealed before placing it in the ice water and the can is almost incredibly weak.
There is a small difference between the densities of water at 100 C and 0 C. When the water cools, it tries to contract This causes a difference in pressure between the outside of the can and the inside. If the can is not strong enough to resist this pressure difference, it will crumple.
2006-09-27 16:13:58 · answer #2 · answered by Helmut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The can is heated to boiling. Steam fills the head space above the water. The can is then sealed and cooled. The steam in the head space condenses to liquid water creating a vacuum in the head space. The can collapses.
2006-09-27 16:11:02 · answer #3 · answered by Jabberwock 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Air expands when heated. It contracts when cooled. The contracting air forms a vacuum and "crushes" the can. (By the way, you said a can filled with boiling water - if you don't leave any air space at all, it won't crumple. Liquids cannot be compressed.)
2006-09-27 16:10:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
the molecules expanded then wen u put it in the ice water they contracted causing the can to crumble.
2006-09-27 16:09:51 · answer #5 · answered by Nour 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
expansion and contraction
2006-09-27 16:04:58 · answer #6 · answered by tomtoride 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋