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Q:
I wanna know where I can get some 411 on this Non Newtonian Solids stuff. Isn’t mixing water with corn starch an example of a Non Newtonian liquid? Would it be considered a Non Newtonian liquid or solid?
- Calvin (age 17)
Hilmar, CA
A:
Hi Calvin,
You can find another Physics Van question and answer about non-newtonian fluids
here. As far as I know, there is no such thing as a non-newtonian solid. The cornstarch and water mixture you were asking about is considered a non-newtonian fluid, but it is actually composed of both a solid and a liquid. This kind of mixture is called a colloidal suspension, and you can read more about it in the other answer.
(published on 10/22/2007)
Follow-up on this answer.
