Egg Drop Experiment with Oobleck: A 5th Grader's Adventure

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SUMMARY

The egg drop experiment using Oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid, demonstrated varying results based on the containment method. The first two drops, where the egg was encased in a yogurt container filled with Oobleck, were successful, while the third drop, using only a balloon of Oobleck, resulted in the egg breaking. This indicates that the structural support provided by the yogurt container is crucial for absorbing impact. Understanding the properties of Oobleck is essential for optimizing such experiments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of non-Newtonian fluids
  • Basic principles of physics related to impact and force
  • Familiarity with experimental design and testing
  • Knowledge of materials science, particularly viscosity
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of non-Newtonian fluids in detail
  • Explore different materials for impact absorption in experiments
  • Learn about the physics of impact forces and energy transfer
  • Investigate variations of egg drop experiments and their outcomes
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for educators, students conducting science experiments, and anyone interested in the practical applications of physics and materials science.

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My 5th grade cousin is doing an egg drop experiment and my uncle and I came up with putting the egg in Oobleck. Will this actually work if done properly? We tested it yesterday and the egg broke on the third drop. The first drop worked as did the second, but both of those the balloon of oobleck and egg was in a yogurt container. The third one with just the balloon broke, and I am wondering why it might have done this.
 
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Pardon my ignorance, but what is an Oobleck?
 
Oobleck is a "non-Newtonian fluid". It exhibits a highly non-linear response to pressure. At low pressures, it has low viscosity. Beyond some critical pressure, it has very high viscosity - almost like a solid.
 

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