What makes oobleck work

Moving slowly gives the cornstarch particles time to move out of the way. Oobleck and other pressure-dependent substances such as Silly Putty and quicksand are not liquids such as water or oil. They are known as non-Newtonian fluids. This substance's funny name comes from a Dr. Seuss book called Bartholomew and the Oobleck.

Can you feel how smooth the powder is? It's made up of super-fine particles. Keep adding more water until the mixture becomes thick and hardens when you tap on it. Add more cornstarch if it gets too runny, and more water if it becomes too thick. Be careful not to get it in your eyes, and wash your hands after handling the Oobleck. Drop your hands quickly into the Oobleck, then slowly lower your hands into it. Notice the difference!

Multiply the quantity of each ingredient by 10 or more and mix it up. Take off your shoes and socks and try standing in the Oobleck! Support this mission by becoming a sustaining member today. Get smart curated videos delivered to your inbox.

Twitter Instagram. Primary Menu. Search for: Search. The science of oobleck. The findings are published in Physical Review Letters.

The immediate response to a sudden change in shear force will answer the question. The experiment showed that there was negligible resistance pulling back. This means that while the liquid does flow out as particles come together and back as they separate, the resulting force does not account for the actual thickening resistance. The contact force dominates, so friction between particles is the primary mechanism for shear thickening.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh are coauthors of the study. The National Science Foundation supported the work. Source: Cornell University. They report their results Nov. The immediate response to a sudden change in shear force will answer the question. The experiment showed that there was negligible resistance pulling back. This means that while the liquid does flow out as particles come together and back as they separate, the resulting force does not account for the actual thickening resistance.

The contact force dominates, so friction between particles is the primary mechanism for shear thickening.