Saturday, April 24, 2021
What can change its shape to fit any container, squeeze into the narrowest places, and even defy gravity? If you said a liquid, you are right! In this session, we will explore the amazing properties of fluids. We will stack colourful liquids in a jar to make a rainbow. Then, mix a gooey batch of oobleck to learn more about non-Newtonian fluids and why viscosity matters to research and development chemists when designing a new lotion or shampoo.
Preparation: For our first activity, you will need a clear jar, five cups, 2-4 colours of food colouring, and 50-100mL of each of the following: honey, dish soap, water, olive oil, and rubbing alcohol. For our second activity, you will need a bowl, 1 cup corn starch, and water.
Expert: Lexie Griffith is a chemist whose work involves formulating cosmetics and personal care products.
