Hey there! Today, we’re diving into something super cool: matter. You might remember that matter can be a solid, liquid, or gas. But here’s a fun twist: what if some matter doesn’t fit neatly into just one of these categories? Let’s find out!
First, let’s refresh our memory about the different states of matter:
All these states are made of matter, and they have properties like color, shape, size, temperature, and weight.
Now, here’s the exciting part: some materials don’t fit into just one state of matter. These are called non-Newtonian fluids. They behave in surprising ways, acting like more than one state of matter at a time.
Let’s make our own non-Newtonian fluid called oobleck! This fun name comes from a Dr. Seuss book. To make oobleck, you’ll need:
Mix the cornstarch and water in the bowl until it feels like honey. When you squeeze it, it forms a solid ball, but when you release it, it flows like a liquid. How cool is that?
Oobleck is special because it doesn’t behave like normal fluids. It has a property called viscosity, which is how fast a fluid flows. Normal fluids, or Newtonian fluids, flow at a consistent rate. But non-Newtonian fluids like oobleck change their flow rate depending on the pressure applied.
When you apply pressure to oobleck, it acts like a solid. When you release the pressure, it flows like a liquid. So, if a material’s flow rate changes with pressure, it’s a non-Newtonian fluid. These materials can be both solid and liquid, breaking the usual rules of matter.
So, there you have it! Non-Newtonian fluids are fascinating because they don’t stick to just one state of matter. They show us that being different is pretty awesome!
Oobleck Experiment: Try making your own oobleck at home with the help of an adult. Use the recipe from the article: 1.5 cups of cornstarch and 1 cup of water. Mix them in a big bowl. Once you’ve made your oobleck, explore how it behaves. What happens when you poke it quickly? What about when you let it sit in your hand? Write down or draw your observations.
State of Matter Hunt: Go on a scavenger hunt around your home or classroom to find examples of solids, liquids, and gases. Can you find something that might be a non-Newtonian fluid? Make a list or draw pictures of what you find. Discuss with a friend or family member why each item fits into its state of matter.
Pressure Play: Fill a small balloon with water and tie it off. Gently squeeze the balloon and observe how the water inside behaves. Now, compare this with your oobleck. How does the behavior of the water differ from the oobleck when you apply pressure? Talk about why you think they behave differently.
