Are you looking for a fun science experiment to do at home? Look no further than non-Newtonian fluid! This fascinating substance behaves like both a liquid and a solid, depending on how much pressure is applied. It's easy to make with just a few household ingredients, and kids and adults alike will be amazed by its unique properties. Here's how to make non-Newtonian fluid at home.
Table of Contents
Materials
To make non-Newtonian fluid, you will need:
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- Bowl
- Spoon
- Food coloring (optional)
Recipe
The recipe for non-Newtonian fluid is incredibly simple. All you need is cornstarch and water.
Cornstarch is a fine, powdery substance that is commonly used as a thickener in cooking. When mixed with water, it forms a thick, gooey substance that behaves like a solid when pressure is applied.
Steps
Follow these steps to make non-Newtonian fluid:
- Begin by mixing 1 cup of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of water in a bowl.
- Stir the mixture with a spoon until it is well combined. The mixture should be thick and gooey, but still pourable.
- If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture and stir until the color is evenly distributed.
- Your non-Newtonian fluid is now ready to play with!
Tips
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making non-Newtonian fluid:
- Use a bowl that is large enough to contain the mixture without spilling over the sides.
- Use a spoon to stir the mixture, as it can be difficult to mix with your hands.
- Add food coloring slowly and mix well to avoid clumps or uneven coloring.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about non-Newtonian fluid:
- What is non-Newtonian fluid? Non-Newtonian fluid is a substance that behaves like both a liquid and a solid, depending on how much pressure is applied.
- Why does non-Newtonian fluid behave the way it does? Non-Newtonian fluid is made up of tiny particles suspended in a liquid. When pressure is applied, the particles move closer together and the substance becomes more solid.
- What can you do with non-Newtonian fluid? Non-Newtonian fluid is a fun substance to play with and experiment with. You can use it to make oobleck, a popular science experiment that demonstrates its unique properties.
Non-Newtonian Fluid and Hair Care
Believe it or not, non-Newtonian fluid has some interesting applications in the world of hair care! Some hair products, such as gels and mousses, are made with non-Newtonian fluid. This allows them to behave like liquids when they are being applied, but become more solid once they dry, providing hold and volume to the hair.
So the next time you're playing with non-Newtonian fluid, remember that it's not just a fun science experiment – it's also a fascinating substance with real-world applications!
