A strange blue droplet falls from a tree and starts bouncing like a rubber ball. As Dr. Zaptain and the Junior Cadets investigate, they discover a mysterious glowing liquid that behaves like both a solid and a liquid.
Ages 8–14
5–6 minutes
Non-Newtonian Fluids
The moment something doesn’t make sense, Cadets, that’s where the real science begins.
Non-Newtonian Fluids
SCIENCE FLASHCARD
Concept
A non-Newtonian fluid is a liquid that can behave like both a liquid and a solid depending on how force is applied.
How it works
When pressure or force is applied quickly, the particles inside the liquid lock together and behave like a solid. When moved slowly, the particles slide past each other and the liquid flows.
Example
Cornstarch mixed with water (oobleck), quicksand, and some thick muds behave like non-Newtonian fluids.
Try mixing cornstarch and water at home. If you tap it quickly it feels hard, but if you move slowly it flows like a liquid.
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