How Oobleck Works

When a sudden force is applied to oobleck, the starch grains rub against each other and lock into position. When oobleck is at rest, the high surface tension of water causes water droplets to surround the starch granules. Water acts as a liquid cushion or lubricant, allowing the grains to flow freely.

What is the science behind oobleck?

Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid, a term for fluids that change viscosity (how easily they flow) under stress. This repulsive force helps the slurry flow, as the particles prefer a layer of fluid between then. But when squeezed together, friction takes over and the particles move like a solid.

Why is it bad to drink oobleck?

Luckily, the gooey substance is not toxic, but it probably won’t taste good since it’s just cornstarch and water. As one individual pointed out on Yahoo Answers, while eating oobleck may not be poisonous, it could potentially give someone pains in their stomach if large quantities are ingested.

Is oobleck a solid or a liquid?

Oobleck is a suspension, or a substance that can mimic the qualities of a solid or a liquid. These materials are also classified as non-Newtonian fluids. A Newtonian fluid has a constant viscosity, such as water or gasoline. As you might guess, the viscosity of a non-Newtonian liquid changes.

What happens when you squeeze the Oobleck?

What is happening when you squeeze the Oobleck? The Oobleck mixture isn’t your typical liquid—or solid. The cornstarch-and-water mixture creates a fluid that acts more like quicksand than water: applying force (squeezing or tapping it) causes it to become thicker.

How do you explain oobleck to a child?

Oobleck is a mixture of a solid (corn starch) suspended in a liquid (water). Oobleck behaves like a solid when force is acted on it quickly. This is because the pressure forces all the particles of corn starch together and they behave like a solid.

Can Oobleck shatter?

WALKING on water is possible – just as long as it contains corn starch. Now it seems this miracle mixture, dubbed oobleck, can also shatter like glass. Oobleck is the most extreme variety, capable of supporting a person running across a pool, though they will sink if they slow down.

How do you clean up Oobleck?

Clean-up notes: You can wash Oobleck down the drain. If it gets on a carpet or a sofa, let it dry. It will turn back into cornstarch and you can vacuum it up.

How long is Oobleck good for?

Oobleck is great for days of play. To store, put oobleck in an airtight container and refrigerate. You may need to add a splash or two of water to get the desired consistency again. Store and reuse for up to two weeks of fun.

Does normal flour work for oobleck?

Flour (standard wheat flour) will not make Oobleck. Once combined with water, it will create a paste instead, which is how a simple homemade glue is actually made. The usual ingredient is cornflour but you can also use arrowroot powder or tapioca powder instead, see: How to Make Oobleck without Cornstarch.

Is oobleck safe for babies?

OOBLECK is made entirely out of food products so when a toddler decides to explore by tasting it is perfectly fine! OOBLECK encourages young children to pinch, pour, scrape and poke exercising their fine motor skills using simple tools or by getting their hands dirty!.

Can you eat cornstarch?

While it is suggested cornstarch shouldn’t be consumed raw, it is perfectly safe to eat once cooked. Cornstarch is generally edible in small quantities and in some cases can be used to maintain blood sugar levels for those with Type 2 diabetes and hypoglycemia.

Does Oobleck go bad?

How Long Does Oobleck Last? Oobleck will last a day. After that it starts to go bad. To dispose of the oobleck, we like to let it dry out overnight.

What is the 3 states of matter?

They are very compressible (particles are widely spaced). There are three states of matter: solid; liquid and gas. They have different properties, which can be explained by looking at the arrangement of their particles.

Is ketchup a non-Newtonian fluid?

Ketchup, in addition to being an exceptionally popular condiment, is also a non-Newtonian fluid. This is the key to its curious behavior. As a non-Newtonian fluid, ketchup’s viscosity — and consequently its ability to flow — varies with the velocity gradient across the fluid or the shear rate.

Can you push oobleck?

Slowly and gently push your fingers into the oobleck, allowing them to gently and easily sink to the bottom of the pan. Now quickly pull your fingers out or move them sideways. The entire pan and all of the oobleck should lift or move with your hand as it becomes solid.

Why is oobleck sticky?

They usually sit like a custardy solid at the bottom of their container. They are sticky, their viscosity is high. At the places you apply force, the cornstarch particles get mashed together, trapping water molecules between them, and oobleck temporarily turns into a semi-solid material.

Why is oobleck a solid?

Oobleck is a mixture of cornstarch and water. This is why oobleck behaves like a liquid when it is not under pressure. When you squeeze or press on oobleck, the water is temporarily forced out of the mixture and the starch molecules are pressing against each other, causing the mixture to behave like a solid.

What state of matter is goop?

It is a suspension, meaning that solid particles of cornstarch are suspended in water. When the mixture is squeezed or pressed the molecules line up in a regular pattern, as they do in a normal solid. This makes the goop feel and act as a solid.

What is Oobleck useful for?

Oobleck is a common name for a non-Newtonian fluid comprising cornstarch and water. Named after a substance humorously described in Dr. Thus, the application provides a system of temporarily fixing potholes by filling them with bags of oobleck (or other non-Newtonian fluids).

Does Oobleck have a high or low viscosity?

When a fluid’s viscosity is constant, it is referred to as a Newtonian fluid. Oobleck is an example of a fluid whose viscosity is not constant; it’s viscosity changes depending on the stress or forces applied to it. If you poke it with your finger and apply a large force, it becomes very viscous and stays in place.