PURPOSE: Demonstrate collapse of a can by atmospheric pressure.

DESCRIPTION: The air is removed from a large coffee can by a vacuum pump, as seen in the photograph above. The can is then given a strong smack with a large hard rubber mallet, causing it to unseat from the vacuum seal and to collapse with a rather large bang. The resultant coffee can is shown in the photograph at the right.

SUGGESTIONS: Very dramatic and noisy demonstration.

REFERENCES: (PIRA unknown.)

EQUIPMENT: Large coffee can and mallet with vacuum pump assembly.

SETUP TIME: None.