The Physics of Oobleck

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The Physics of Oobleck
By: Aidan Ryder

What is oobleck? Well, it is a mixture of two parts corn starch and one part water. This certain "fluid" is classified as a non-Newtonian fluid. A non-Newtonian fluid is a fluid that's viscosity changes when stress or force is applied or taken away from the certain fluid. In this case, oobleck can change its viscosity when force changes within in. If moved with gentle care, then it will react as a fluid, but if lots of force is applied, it will act more like a solid. These days, oobleck still is a wonder to society. It has many uses and can be applied to many different subjects.

Image result for oobleck
Oobleck's main purpose is for children. In elementary school, teachers have the children make oobleck and observe its physics. Many students are amazed at this discovery because they cannot understand the reason it reacts it this certain way. Why is oobleck still being used it schools? Well, it can open up a student's mind to what may be possible in their future. New discoveries can come out-of-the-blue, just like this wondrous "liquid". Science is endless, as there will always be possibilities of new occurrences. Man may fly to the moon, children might be the new adults, computers could run society; anything can potentially happen.

Image result for children oobleck
Oobleck is not the only non-Newtonian fluid in existence. Different non-Newtonian fluids can include quick sand and blood. Quicksand is one of those many things that are frequently used in movies and TV shows. It shows worry and stress for the character or object. If they move slowly, the quicksand will let them be able to move with more force and be able to escape. If the body moves fast, the quicksand can catch the body and won't let go. As well as quicksand, blood is another type of a non-Newtonian fluid. It behaves differently when exposed to force. Its viscosity can change depending on pressure or stress on the blood. The more the blood is agitated, the less viscous it becomes.

Image result for quicksand

Today, oobleck is still being experimented on. There are constant tests on improving its durability and increasing its viscosity. When improving its durability, oobleck can be used to block more harmful blows. Simple oobleck will break when a high impact punch inflicts the fluid, but when the durability is increased, it could potentially withstand being hit by very high amounts of force. This can potentially mean saving lives. In conclusion, oobleck is, and will continue to be a necessity to improving the safety of mankind.




Links:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/oobleck-bring-science-home/

https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1502-non-newtonian-fluids

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