Solid or Liquid?

Materials

tablespoon, cornstarch, small bowl, water

Procedure      

1. Add 3 heaping tablespoons of cornstarch to the bowl, and then add 3 tablespoons of water.

2. Use the spoon to thoroughly stir the contents of the bowl. Then let the mixture stand for 5 minutes.

3. Slowly push your finger into the mixture. Repeat with your fist.

4. Quickly jab your finger into the mixture. Repeat with your fist.

5. Take a handful of the mixture and form a ball. Squeeze and release the ball several times.

Think About It

1. What happened when you slowly pushed your finger or fist into the mixture?

2. What happened when you jabbed your finger or fist into the mixture?

3. What happened when you squeezed the ball? When you released the ball?

4. What factor seems to determine whether the mixture behaves like a solid or like a liquid?