Atmospheric pressure
In this activity, students indirectly measure atmospheric pressure using a plastic drink bottle and a ping pong ball. They will then use this measure to calculate the force acting on the outside of a soft drink can.
Experimenting with atmospheric pressure
This hands-on experiment demonstrates atmospheric pressure and the force it exerts. The atmospheric pressure pushing against the ping pong ball holds the ball in place.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
give a simple explanation of how atmospheric pressure comes about
determine atmospheric pressure either by direct measurement using a barometer or by use of the internet
describe in simple terms how a drink bottle and ping pong ball can be used to indirectly calculate atmospheric pressure
use the relationship force = pressure x area to calculate the crushing force acting on the outside of soft drink can
relate the size of this force to an everyday experience.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
student handout.
Useful links
Watch as atmospheric pressure crushes a soda can and a 55 gallon steel drum.
Watch the ping pong ball and water bottle atmospheric pressure experiment.
