Oobleck Experiment
Explore the fascinating behavior of Oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid that acts like a liquid when handled gently but becomes solid when sudden force is applied. Try applying different forces to see the transition!
Under gentle force, Oobleck particles flow like a liquid. The cornstarch particles are suspended in water and can move past each other easily.
The Science Behind Oobleck
Non-Newtonian fluids are substances that change their viscosity under stress:
- Shear-thickening: Viscosity increases with applied stress (like Oobleck)
- Composition: A simple mixture of cornstarch and water (typically 2:1 ratio)
- Dual behavior: Flows like liquid under low stress, resists like solid under high stress
Under gentle pressure, the cornstarch particles have time to move out of the way (liquid behavior). Under sudden force, the particles lock together (solid behavior). This is because the cornstarch particles are suspended in water but don't dissolve - they remain as tiny solid particles.
