->  DW> That would be true if the can were absolutely full of liquid. But I'm 
->  DW> sure that, in most cases at least, there is some gas at the top. 
->  DW> That's why an unopened can makes a sloshing sound if shaken. The gas 
->  DW> is compressible, so the can can be compressed at least slightly, if 
->  DW> enough pressure is applied. But, since the gas is at quite high 
->  DW> pressure, this is not easy. 
 
-> If the gas is under high pressure, it's exerting an equal force on the 
-> liquid, which can't be compressed. 
 
->                 R\%/itt 
  
I don't follow your argument. Yes. The gas and liquid are both under 
substantial pressure. But if an external force squeezes the can, the 
gas can be compressed, so it is possible to dent the can. However, 
since the pressure is considerable, this is difficult. 
  
If the can were totally full of perfectly incompressible liquid, then 
it would be impossible to dent the can, even slightly, without somehow 
stretching the can someplace else. 
  
                        dow 
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