What is the physics behind oobleck?

If your kids ever brought home some Oobleck from school, you had a glimpse of a long-standing scientific controversy. Next time, you can just have fun with it, knowing that the argument is over. Cornell physicists have finally explained what makes Oobleck so weird. read more

Oobleck is a classic example of a non-Newtonian fluid exhibiting shear-thickening properties. As you can see from the graph below, in a Newtonian fluid, the shear stress increases linearly with the shear rate. read more

Oobleck is a simple mixture of cornstarch and water, combined at about a 2: 1 ratio. When sitting still, it looks like an ordinary milky liquid. However, when disturbed by forces like a sudden strike, pulling, or vibrating, oobleck defies Newtonian physics and becomes a solid strong enough for adults to walk across. read more

Oobleck, that strange gooey substance ubiquitous at science fairs, is just a thick solution of cornstarch in water. But it's not as simple as it sounds. read more