Answer
Boiling water fills the can with steam. When the can is plunged upside down into into the ice water, the steam is trapped in the can and quickly condenses, reducing gas pressure inside the can. The walls of the can are not strong enough to resist the comparatively high atmospheric pressure, which crushes the can.
Work Step by Step
Boiling water fills the can with steam. When the can is plunged upside down into into the ice water, the steam is trapped in the can and quickly condenses, reducing gas pressure inside the can. The walls of the can are not strong enough to resist the comparatively high atmospheric pressure, which crushes the can.