Balancing a Can on Its Edge

fluid level

volume (ml) = 0.

center of mass coordinates (cm) = {0,0.00,6.60}

A well-known party trick is that for certain volumes it is possible to balance a partially full North American beverage can on its beveled edge. The slider controls the height of the top surface of the fluid and the point shows the center of mass of the fluid and can. The system will be stable if the center of mass is over its base of support. Thus if the point is between the vertical lines the can will balance on its edge.