Can We Prove That Air Takes Up Space?

Question:

Does air take up space?

Materials:

  • Clear cup
  • Paper Towel
  • Bowl of water

Procedure:

  • Place a balled up paper towel at the bottom of a clear cup. (tape it to secure it to the bottom of the cup).
  • Turn the cup over and submerge it straight down in the water.

Observations:

  • What did you observe about the paper towel when the glass was placed in the water?
  • How does this demonstrate that air takes up space?
  • What would happen to the paper towel if air did not take up space?