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 12cm and a diameter of 6.5cm, find the net inward force exerted on the vertical sides of the can due to atmospheric pressure.

3141N or 3.1 * 10³N to 2 significant figures. The can experiences this inward force on its outer surface.

Explanation:

The atmospheric pressure acts on the outer surface of the can. In order to calculate this inward force we need to know the total surface area of the can available to the air outside the can. Since the can is a cylinder with a total surface area given by 2πrh + 2πr² =

A = 2πr (r + h)

Where h = height of the can = 12cm

r = radius of the can = 6.5cm/2 = 3.25cm

r = diameter / 2

A = 2π*3.25 * (3.25 + 12) = 311.4cm² = 311.4 * 10-⁴ = 0.031m²

Atmospheric pressure, P = 101325Pa = 101325 N/m²

F = P * A

F = 101325 * 0.031.

F = 3141N. Or 3.1 * 10³ N.