Hooked On Science: Soda Can Pedestal
Soda Can Pedestal
INGREDIENTS
- 2 Empty Soda Can
- Bathroom Scale
- Several Heavy Books
- Rubber Bands
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1: Place the empty soda can, vertically, on a flat surface. Grab two heavy books, using the bathroom scale, determine the weight of the books. Center the books on the can, so the can and the books remain standing. What happens to the can and the books? Why?
STEP 2: Using the rubber bands, shoot the side of the can, until you cause a dent in the side of the can, and observe. What happens to the can and the book? Why?
STEP 3: Grab several more heavy books, using the bathroom scale, determine the weight of the books. Center the books on the can, so the can and the books remain standing. What happens to the can and the books? Why?
STEP 4: Using the rubber bands, shoot the side of the can, until you cause a dent in the side of the can, and observe. What happens to the can and the books? Why?
STEP 5: Compare what happens to the motion of the can and the books when different strengths of pushes and pulls are applied. What are the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of the can and the books?
EXPLANATION
Soda cans are stronger than you may think. Jason Lindsey aka “Mr. Science” with Hooked on Science shows us how an empty soda can has enough strength to hold up twenty-five pounds of books. Go to www.hookedonscience.org for more experiments that might get you and your family “Hooked on Science.”
