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How to Make a Vacuum Chamber Glass Bottle

A vacuum chamber can be made from practically any airtight container. The power of the vacuum pump and the type of container you use will determine the amount of pressure of the vacuum. A powerful vacuum could cause the container to implode or collapse if the container is not sturdy enough. But the amount of vacuum created by a small pump for a science project is different than the amount of vacuum needed for professional applications. One way you can check to see if your vacuum is working is to put a partially inflated balloon in the chamber and see if it expands.

Things You'll Need

Bottle
Shut-off valve
Rubber stopper
Plastic tubing
Vacuum pump
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a small piece of tubing about 4 inches long. Place one end of the plastic tubing through the hole in the center of the rubber stopper. Feed the tube until it starts to emerge through the small end of the stopper. If your stopper does not have a hole in the center use a corkscrew or small drill to make one.
- 2
  Connect the tubing from the top of the stopper to one end of the shut-off valve. Make sure the seal is tight. Cut another length of tubing, approximately 12 inches. Connect one end of the tubing to the other end of the shut-off valve. Connect the other end of the tubing to the vacuum pump. Place the stopper tightly in the top of the bottle.
- 3
  Open the shut-off valve. Use the pump to remove air from the chamber. When you have removed as much air as you want, turn the shut-off valve into the closed position. You can them remove the tubing connecting the vacuum pump. Your vacuum chamber is now ready.

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