How Does Powder React When Squeezed Inside a Cube?

In summary, the outcome of pushing two sides of a cube together and having powder fall out would depend on the type of powder used. A frictionless powder would flow better than water, while a more compact powder like chalk may form a larger mound and not flow continuously. The tightness of the packing and the speed of compression would also play a role in how the powder behaves. To get a better understanding, it is suggested to conduct an experiment with different types of powder in a plastic box.
  • #1
chemart
6
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If I have cube with top side opened with powder in it an i start pushing two sides of cube together will powder fall out of cube the same as with water or other liquid?
 
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  • #2
It depends what kind of powder. If you had a frictionless powder, then it would flow even better than water. If you had chalk powder or something like that, then it would probably form a larger mound and not flow continuously.

This is only an educated guess, though. I have never tried this experiment!
 
  • #3
It would also depend to some extent upon how tightly it's packed in the first place, along with how forcefully and quickly you compress the box.
If it's just poured in loosely, there'll be a lot of air spaces. In that case, slow compression might actually lower the surface level as the material settles into a more compact arrangement. Conversely, a rapid compression could cause the air to blow the stuff out.
If it's been tamped down so as to leave little air space, a slow compression would probably cause a bulge on top as DH said, but a fast squeeze might 'squirt' it out.
Why don't you get yourself a plastic box (like Gladware or similar) and some different types of powder. Experiment, already!
 
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1. What causes powder to react when squeezed inside a cube?

Powder reacts when squeezed inside a cube due to the force applied on its particles. The pressure from squeezing causes the particles to move closer together, resulting in an increase in intermolecular interactions and a change in the physical properties of the powder.

2. What type of powder reacts the most when squeezed inside a cube?

The type of powder that reacts the most when squeezed inside a cube is one with small and fine particles. This is because smaller particles have a larger surface area compared to their volume, making them more susceptible to pressure and resulting in a more noticeable reaction.

3. Is the reaction of powder when squeezed inside a cube reversible?

Yes, the reaction of powder when squeezed inside a cube is reversible. When the pressure is released, the particles will move back to their original positions, and the powder will return to its original form.

4. Can the reaction of powder when squeezed inside a cube be controlled?

Yes, the reaction of powder when squeezed inside a cube can be controlled by adjusting the amount of pressure applied and the type of powder used. Different types of powder will have different reactions under varying pressures, so it is important to understand the properties of the powder being used.

5. What other factors can affect the reaction of powder when squeezed inside a cube?

Aside from pressure and the type of powder used, other factors that can affect the reaction of powder when squeezed inside a cube include temperature, humidity, and the presence of any additives or impurities in the powder. These factors can alter the intermolecular interactions and change the overall reaction of the powder.

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