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A Non-Newtonian Fluid

Recipe:

1 part water
1.5-2 parts cornstarch

Oobleck VideoAdd cornstarch slowly to the water, mix thoroughly. You’ll know your oobleck is ready when there are no lumps left in the mixture; this can sometimes take a lot of stirring to get a homogeneous mixture. If it is too thin, add a little more cornstarch; if it’s too crumbly, add a little more water.  Watch this video to see what your mixture will look like…Making Oobleck

 

What is a Non-Newtonian fluid?

It is a fluid that acts like a solid when you apply pressure. Newton stated that the viscosity (thickness or ability to flow) of a fluid can only change with a change in temperature. The mixture we’ve made doesn’t follow that law, so it’s called a Non-Newtonian fluid.

Oobleck BallWhat can you do with it?

If you place your finger in the mixture slowly, it will sink though. What happens if you poke your finger in quickly?
Place some oobleck in your hand and squeeze – can you make a ball?