This Air pressure experiment with a collapsed bottle It is also a funny science trickThe bottle collapses without anyone pushing or throwing it.
Adult supervision is required for this activity as hot water is used.
You will need
Hot water: ask an adult for help
A plastic bottle with a lid: it is good to compare bottles of different sizes
Heat resistant or oven resistant glove
Instructions
Remove the cap from the bottle. Carefully pour hot water into the bottle until it is two-thirds full.
Using a heat-resistant glove, carefully swirl the water around the bottle.
Empty the hot water from the bottle and quickly replace the lid.
Watch as the bottle collapses on itself.
Experiment with different bottle sizes and shapes.
Why does the bottle collapse?
The hot water gives energy to the air inside the bottle, which allows the particles to move around more, increasing the pressure inside the bottle. As soon as the hot water is removed from the bottle, the air particles begin to cool down and lose energy. This reduces the pressure inside the bottle to less than outside of it. The air pressing on the outside causes the bottle to collapse.
More air pressure experiments for kids
Have Six more air pressure experiments You can try, among other things, making water rise in a jar, making a boiled egg fall into a glass, or launching a bottle rocket.
Go Science Girls has a fantastic Balloon balancing activity to demonstrate that air has weight.
Finally, learn more about the Bernoulli's principle with a plastic bottle and a rolled up paper ball.
Last updated on March 23, 2023 by Emma Vanstone
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