Slippery Slime – Solid or Liquid?

We carried out a creeeeepy science experiment today (it was 31st October after all). If you want to try it at home all you have to do is follow these easy steps.

Steps

Step 1: Put 80ml of water in a mixing bowl

Step 2: Gradually add 100g of cornflour (do not mix)

Step 3: Leave to sit for 5 minutes

Step 4: Punch the mixture

Step 5: Try to lift the mixture up and make a ball

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What happens

When you run your fingers through it, it acts like a liquid. But when you punch it, it becomes hard and behaves like a solid. (If it doesn’t, try adding some more cornflour.)

How and why

The cornflour particles are suspended in the water, so it flows like a liquid. But when you apply a force to it, the particles lock together, acting like a solid. As soon as the force stops, the slime goes back to being runny.

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By P7A