Contraction in Gases

Aim:
To observe contraction in gases.

Equipment:
Almunium can,
scissor tongs,
Bunsen burner,
heatproof mat,
tripod,
gauze mat,
an open container of water.

Method:
1. Set up a Bunsen burner underneath a tripod and gauze mat.
2. Pour approximately 50-60ml of water into your can. It should be more than 1/4 full.
3. Heat the can of water until steam is seen escaping from the top.
    Carefully grip the can with the scissor tongs. Ensure you have a firm hold of the can before lifting      it off the gauze mat.
4. Quickly, but very carefully, invert the can as you plunge it into a container of water.

Results:
The can imploded as we dunked the can upside down into the cool water.

Discussion:
When the water boiled, steam began to rise up, into and out of the can, filling the can up with spread out gas atoms. When the can was dunked upside down into cold water, the gas contracted, and the atoms bundled up in the centre of the can, meaning there was nothing filling the can up, so the can imploded.