Changing states of matter with Oobleck
What is a solid? A liquid? Ever wonder why it is so hard to get out of quicksand? Can a substance be both a solid and a liquid? In this activity, you will explore a substance that is somewhat like quicksand—but a lot more exciting.
States of Matter
Matter usually exists in one of three states or phases: solid, liquid, or gas. The desk you write on is a solid, the milk you drink is liquid, and the air you breathe is a gas.
Changing States of Matter
Matter changes state when more energy gets added to it. Energy is often added in the form of heat or pressure. When temperature changes, substances change states (from solids to liquids to gases). as freezing water into Water freezes into ice, ice thaws to water and water boils into steam. But this simple mixture shows how changes in pressure, instead of temperature, can change the properties of some materials.
Oobleck and other pressure-dependent substances quicksand are not liquids such as juice or oil. They are known as non-Newtonian fluids. Oobleck got its name from a Dr. Seuss book called "Bartholomew and the Oobleck."
States of Matter
Matter usually exists in one of three states or phases: solid, liquid, or gas. The desk you write on is a solid, the milk you drink is liquid, and the air you breathe is a gas.
Changing States of Matter
Matter changes state when more energy gets added to it. Energy is often added in the form of heat or pressure. When temperature changes, substances change states (from solids to liquids to gases). as freezing water into Water freezes into ice, ice thaws to water and water boils into steam. But this simple mixture shows how changes in pressure, instead of temperature, can change the properties of some materials.
Oobleck and other pressure-dependent substances quicksand are not liquids such as juice or oil. They are known as non-Newtonian fluids. Oobleck got its name from a Dr. Seuss book called "Bartholomew and the Oobleck."