stolen with permission   The rapidly rising current creates a rapidly rising magnetic field along the axis of the coil which in turn induces an electric field going in circles inside the coil The induced electric field causes an electron current in the can which experiences a vxB force in the magnetic field of the coil causing the can to break into two pieces which are blown to the opposite sides of the lecture hall The plasma theta pinch phenomenon occurs when the capacitor is discharged This effect causes radiation pressure on the can which breaks it in two and blasts apart the two halves