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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Physics » Collapsing Bottle – Air Pressure Experiment

    Collapsing Bottle – Air Pressure Experiment

    March 22, 2023 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    This collapsing bottle air pressure experiment is also a fun science trick! The bottle collapses without anyone pushing or pulling it.

    Adult supervision is needed for this activity, as hot water is used

    You’ll need

    Hot water – ask an adult to help

    A plastic bottle with a lid – different size bottles are good to compare

    Oven or heatproof glove

    Materials needed for a collapsing bottle air pressure experiment - kettle of hot water, plastic bottle with lid and large bowl

    Instructions

    Remove the lid from the bottle. Carefully pour hot water into the bottle until it’s about two-thirds full.

    Using a heatproof glove, carefully swirl the water around the bottle.

    Empty the hot water out of the bottle and quickly replace the lid.

    Watch as the bottle collapses in on itself.

    Experiment with different sizes and shapes of bottles.

    Plastic bottle that has been compressed
    Plastic bottle that has collapsed as part of an air pressure demonstration

    Why does the bottle collapse?

    The hot water gives the air inside the bottle energy, allowing the particles to move around more, increasing the pressure inside the bottle. As soon as the hot water is removed from the bottle, the air particles start to cool and lose energy. This reduces the pressure inside the bottle to less than outside the bottle. Air pressing on the outside makes the bottle collapse.

    More air pressure experiments for kids

    I have six more air pressure experiments you can try, including making water rise into a jar, making a boiled egg drop into a glass and launching a bottle rocket.

    collection of air pressure experiments including a lung model, raincloud in a jar and barometer

    Go Science Girls has a fantastic balloon balance activity to demonstrate that air has weight.

    Finally, learn about the Bernoulli Principle with a plastic bottle and rolled-up ball of paper.

    Crushed bottle after an air pressure demonstration

    Last Updated on March 23, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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