eli5: how do paint rattlecans work?

Question

eli5: how do paint rattlecans work?

In: 16

Answer 1

The can is pressurized with a gas and basic physics is that energy wants to move from a position of high energy to low energy (like how water flows downhill with down being lower energy)

The paint is in a liquidish form so when you press the nozzle the gas starts to depressurize from the can but it has to push the paint out first. That’s why you shouldn’t flip the can upside down.