On December 10, 2021, I conducted an experiment in my Chemistry Lab A class and made some interesting observations and conclusions. Before beginning the experiment, I answered some pre-lab questions about the relationships between volume, pressure, and temperature of gas. I learned that the pressure of gas is inversely proportional to its volume, while the volume of gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature if pressure remains constant. Moreover, I found that the pressure of a given amount of gas held at constant volume is directly proportional to the Kelvin temperature. Additionally, I learned how the combined gas law relates to the three gas laws of Boyle, Charles, and Gay-Lussac.

The experiment involved determining the relationship between the amount of water in a soda can and its crushing properties. I hypothesized that if I used one tablespoon of water, the can would not crush as much. If I used four tablespoons, the can would crush halfway, and if I used eight tablespoons, the can would completely crush. To conduct the experiment, I used three empty soda cans, a stove top, a tablespoon, tongs, and a bowl with cold water and ice. I rinsed the cans thoroughly and added water to them using a tablespoon. I heated the cans on the medium-high heat of the stove until I heard the first sounds of boiling, and then left them on the stove for about 30 seconds. Then I used tongs to flip the cans upside down into the bowl of cold water and ice. I observed and recorded the differences among the cans as they cooled.

Using my observations, I recorded the data and analyzed the results. I found that the first can with one tablespoon of water crushed and turned brown, the second can with four tablespoons did not fully crush but kept the same color, and the third can with eight tablespoons completely crushed and remained the same color. I concluded that the cans crushed due to the air pressure outside being stronger than the air pressure inside the can. The hot gas molecules in the can were the same pressure as outside air, causing the can to become prone to crushing. When the can was flipped upside down, the hot molecules inside began to cool rapidly, causing the can to crush.

In conclusion, I learned how to apply the gas laws in real-life situations and discovered the effect of temperature on tire pressure. I also had an opportunity to analyze the relationship between the amount of water in the can and its crushing ability. The experience has expanded my knowledge and helped me to appreciate the relevance of chemistry in everyday life.

Conclusions

In analyzing the results of my experiment, I have come to the conclusion that my hypothesis was neither confirmed nor refuted. My prediction was that the can with only 1 tablespoon of water inside it would not be crushed fully but that was not the case. Upon closer observation, the can was actually crushed almost entirely and had developed a brownish tinge. My assumption is that the color change came about as a result of leaving the can too long on the stove while boiling.

Another prediction I had was that the can with 4 tablespoons of water would be crushed halfway. Upon examination, I observed that it had indeed been crushed partially from one side which proved my hypothesis to be accurate. Likewise, I had predicted that the can with 8 tablespoons of water would be entirely crushed, and it was. I noticed that this can took longer to boil, but once it was turned upside down and placed in cold water, the popping sound it made was louder than the other cans, and it was also entirely crushed compared to the other cans.

Uncovered from this experiment is how Boyle's Law can be applied in real-life scenarios, such as measuring tire pressures, and in our respiratory systems. For my experiment, I should time each can boiling on the stove to determine if time impacts the results of the can when it's finally turned upside down in cold water.

In conclusion, this experiment shows that God's universe abides by laws because there is a Lawgiver. It further proves that God has equipped us with the ability to discover and comprehend these laws. As the Bible encourages us, obtaining knowledge and wisdom in such matters is important.