Vertical pressure on soft drink can

In summary: The can is assumed to be a cylinder with a height of 13cm and a diameter of 6.5cm. The formula for pressure is pressure=force/area, and the area of a cylinder is 2πrh +2πr2. Chetan knows that atmospheric pressure at sea level is 1 atm or 101325 Nm-2. However, he is unsure of how to calculate the force on the vertical sides of the can. He initially multiplies the pressure by the area but realizes that the pressure on the top of the can may not be the same as that on the sides. After
  • #1
reshald
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Homework Statement


In a classroom demonstration, the pressure inside a soft drink can is suddenly reduced to essentially zero. Assuming the can to be a cylinder with a height of 13cm and a diameter of 6.5cm , find the net inward force exerted on the vertical sides of the can due to atmospheric pressure.

Homework Equations


Pressure= force/area
area of a cylinder is 2πrh +2πr2
force due to gravity is mg

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that because there is no pressure inside the can to counteract the air pushing inward, the can collapses but I am not sure how to calculate the force on the vertical sides of the can. Atmospheric pressure is 1 atm at sea level which is 101325 Nm-2. If the pressure on the top of the can is the same as that of the sides than you multiply the pressure by area to get force which gives 6991425 but this is incorrect probably because the pressure on the top isn't the same as the pressure on the sides but I don't know what the formula for it is.
 
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  • #2
reshald said:
net inward force exerted on the vertical sides of the can
What's the area of the cylindrical surface of the can?
 
  • #3
Thank you that fixed it. Also I didn't convert the diameter into meters. Thank you.
 
  • #4
Actually, this is a very poorly worded question. The net force by the air on the vertical sides of the can has to take into account the direction of the forces, and this results in a net force of zero.

Chet
 
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FAQ: Vertical pressure on soft drink can

1. What is vertical pressure on a soft drink can?

Vertical pressure on a soft drink can is the downward force that is exerted on the can when it is placed on a flat surface or held upright. This pressure is caused by the weight of the can and any additional weight that may be placed on top of it.

2. How does vertical pressure affect a soft drink can?

Vertical pressure can cause a soft drink can to deform or collapse if the pressure exceeds the can's structural integrity. This can happen if the can is placed under a heavy object or if it is stacked with other cans.

3. Is vertical pressure the same as atmospheric pressure?

No, vertical pressure and atmospheric pressure are two different types of pressure. Vertical pressure is the force exerted on an object from above, while atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the air around us.

4. How can vertical pressure be measured on a soft drink can?

Vertical pressure can be measured using a pressure gauge or by calculating the weight of the object placed on top of the can. It can also be estimated by considering the weight of the can and the height from which it is being dropped.

5. Can vertical pressure cause a soft drink can to explode?

In most cases, vertical pressure will not cause a soft drink can to explode. However, if the can is already damaged or weakened, it is possible for the pressure to cause it to burst. It is important to handle cans with care to avoid any potential damage.

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