oobleck dance
Oobleck is the nickname that scientists use to describe a mixture of corn starch and water that has some very interesting physics properties. The name comes Dr. Seuss’ “Bartholomew and the Oobleck.”It changes its physical properties depending on pressure, temperature, and vibrations around it. From wikipedia:
Though initially it acts like a viscous liquid, applying pressure quickly will make it appear to be a solid for a short time. The oobleck also behaves unlike conventional solids or liquid when thrown in the air, molded, heated, or vibrated. Oobleck readily demonstrates the dilatant effect, which means it becomes more viscous when agitated or compressed.
If all of that doesn’t seem interesting to you at all, you’re not alone. But after you watch this video, you’ll see why it’s so incredible. In the video, a cookie sheet full of oobleck is being held tightly down over a booming subwoofer. The resulting oobleck dance is unbelievable. I want to make some of this pronto.
[via boingboing.]
