Chemical dough
You may have always been taught that things can be solid, like ice, liquid, like water, or gas, like steam. But there are chemicals which are neither a solid, nor a liquid, but a solid and a liquid at the same time! We call them Non-Newtonian or dilatent materials. In this experiment you will create such material using only two ingredients from the kitchen.
Attention!
ALERT: This experiment is not suitable for people with wheat (gluten) allergies.
You will need:
- Two cups of corn flour
- A cup of water
- A shallow plastic container
- A big jar or a plastic bag
And last but not least ... a helping hand from an adult.
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Method
Pour the corn flour into a shallow plastic container, and slowly add water while constantly stirring with your hands. It is very important that you stir slowly, or else the mixture hardens. If the mixture is too solid, add a little bit of water. Your dilatent material is ready. Now you need to test it.
Try stirring the mixture fast. You will find it will harden – almost rock solid – and you cannot stir it.
Try stirring slowly again and it will turn into the consistency of thick custard.
Try punching it as hard as you can. Again it feels rock solid doesn't it?
Try pouring the mixture into a plastic bag.
How is this possible?
Corn flour is mostly starch. In this mixture the starch and the water flow and make the mixture a liquid. As soon as pressure is put on this mixture, the starch particles collide against each other, making the mixture solid. If it is not disturbed, it is a liquid.
Be careful! After you’re done with this mixture dispose of it in a plastic bag with the other rubbish... do not pour it down the toilet as it will block the drains!