Custard, quicksand and ketchup are all non-Newtonian liquids
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BBC Midlands Today's Science Correspondent David Gregory launched his blog by setting out to prove that he (and you) could walk on cornflour. The attempt was part of the BBC's Bang Goes the Theory, promoting science. Cornflour, like custard and quicksand is a non-Newtonian fluid, changing its nature when pressure is exerted. Most liquids are Newtonian (named after scientist Isaac Newton). Water, for example, remains fluid, no matter how fast it is stirred. To find out more about David Gregory and how to attempt the experiment for yourself, read
his blog.
Dr Gregory arrived at BBC Shropshire armed with a large container and 10 packs of cornflour. After thoroughly mixing with water, Gregory invited radio presenter Jim Hawkins to commentate while he jumped on the concoction live on air. The experiment worked, with the cornflour behaving like a solid on impact. He also proved that after pressure is released it returns to a liquid state. For more information on Bang Goes the Theory as well as other home experiments, visit
the website.
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