SODA CAN STEAM ENGINE

INTRODUCTION:

In this project were going to be exploring the Conservation Law, by using just

a soda can and some fire. This project will explain and demonstrate how the

Conversation of energy works and also the concept of Newtons third law(Action

equal to reaction). Our goals is to observe how energy is apply to a boil can of small

quatity of water in it with small holes on the side of the can.

BACKGROUND:

The law of the conservation of the energy state that Energy cannot be

created or destroyed, but only changed from one form into another or transferred

from one object to another. This law apply to everything in our life. There are alot of

kind of energy. The basic one is potential and kinetic energy. Potential energy is an

energy store from it position, it can be convert to heat and chemical energy.

Accroding from the equation PE = mgh, this type of energy depend on mass height

of the object. Moreover, this energy can be convert to Kinetic energy.The Kinetic

energy is an energy of motion. The fomula of this energy is KE = 1/2mv^2. This type

of energy depend on the mass and speed of the object. Moreover, this law can be

relate to another law we are using in this project. When an object have been push or

pull by forces ,it is apart of conservation of energy, as we know we will be push back

the same amount of force acting on the object. This are the Third law of Newtons or

law of interaction. The Third law of Newtons states that For every action, there is an

equal and opposite reaction. The fomular of this law is F1=F2.

 The Law conservation of energy and the Third law of Newtons main law that

all apply to our life. Moreover, we can prove these law by our model in this project.

This will prove that these law are eventually close to our life that we didnt even think

of.

Materials:

Unopened 12-oz aluminum soda can (avoid potential

stickiness by using diet soda)

Thumbtack
Access to a sink
Water
String
Stand
Alcohol Burner
Lighter

DESCRIPTION:
 This process started from the electricity power tranfer to heat energy,

heating the hot plate under the can. According to the state conservation energy,

energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can changed into another form. The

heat temperature then affect the bond of the water molecules inside the can to

seperate. The molecules of the warm water vapor have high kinetic energy, which

increases the pressure inside the can and thus forces of the gas release through

the holes in the sides of the can. Then the force of the vapor push the air outside

and create an opposite reaction force on the can. Finally it converted to kinetic

energy as the escaping water vapor causes the can to rotate. Some of the energy

from the escaping water vapor is also partially converted to potential energy as the

string attached to the spinning can twists.

PROCEDURE:

1. Working over on a sink, create a hole in the middle of the side

of an unopened soda can using a thumbtack. Continually shake the

can, using the pressure generated by carbonation to force the soda out

through the hole.

2. When the can is empty, create a second hole on the side

opposite the first.

3. Rinse the can with a wash bottle, squirting water into one of

the two holes.

4. Once you have emptied and rinsed the can, use the wash

bottle to add about 10 mL water.

5. Use the thumbtack to slant each of the two holes in the same

direction, tangential to the cans surface. These holes act as jets in

order to propel the can.

 6. Tie a string to the cans unopened pull tab and secure the can to a

ring attached to a ring stand at a height that allows a Alcohol burner to

warm it.
7. Waiting for the can and water to heat.
8. Gently warm the can and water. Water vapor will eventually exit both

holes and should result in a net force that sets the can spinning.

Conclusion and Result:

In this demonstration is to consider the concepts of energy transformations

and conservation as we observe a simple steam engine made from an aluminum

soda can. The heat energy was applied on the can making the water in can boiled,

then the boiled water create a steam inside of the can causing to create pressure,

which is a energy. The holes on the side of the can lets the steam came out and

push the can, making the two holes that were pierce push the can in a tangent

direction making the can to spin. As the water is boiled the steam that came out is

control by the two holes making the speed and energy is conserve. As for the steam

thats caming out of the holes are the heat energy in the water that was covert in

status.

We can also compare to reocket thats launching in space

Rocket in space change direction Hero Engines

Use fuel as force Uses water or steam as force

Push force Push force

To turn rocket to the right, use jets on To turn can to the right, have water
come out the hole to the left
left

REFERENCES:

F.S.: An Easy Hero's Engine, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkkcbzd7eqs.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/conser.html

http://teachertech.rice.edu/Participants/louviere/Newton/

Natsompol Sungpaiboon

Andrew Chitphakdithai
 Sathitkun Saisitti

(1103)

Title : Soda can steam engine

Concept: Conservation of energy and Law

of motion

3rd June 2016

Ms.Susana Alulod