Liquid which turns into a ball?

In summary, the conversation discusses a phenomenon known as shear-thickening, where a liquid's viscosity increases under pressure and behaves like a solid. The conversation also mentions a video involving invisible water balls, which is likely a magic trick involving optical properties or sleight of hand. The concept of viscosity is not applicable in this case, and there is a link provided for edible water orbs.
  • #1
Raghav Gupta
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Is there any liquid based on viscosity and density that changes into ball.

Obviously here, the liquid cannot be water.
Other thing can be that some chemical is applied in hand( This doesn't make sense I think).
 
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  • #2
To answer your question (regardless of the video), the behavior you are looking for is known as shear-thickening: when a force/pressure is applied to the substance, its viscosity can dramatically increase, thus exhibiting behaviors characteristic of a solid and not a liquid. Stop applying the force/pressure and the viscosity once again decreases, and thus it flows, like a liquid. The branch of physics that studies this odd behavior is known as rheology.

Now, as far as the video itself is concerned, this seems to be a magic trick that involves optical properties of water as well as the ball and/or sleight of hand.
 
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  • #4
JoePhysics said:
Now, as far as the video itself is concerned, this seems to be a magic trick that involves optical properties of water as well as the ball and/or sleight of hand.
This.
 
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  • #5
Understood. Thanks all of you.
That viscosity concepts are not being applied here. I thought initially that it would have been a different liquid.
 

What causes a liquid to turn into a ball?

The process of a liquid turning into a ball is known as surface tension. This occurs when the molecules at the surface of the liquid are pulled together by cohesive forces, creating a spherical shape.

What liquids can turn into a ball?

Any liquid that has a high surface tension can turn into a ball, such as water, mercury, and some types of oils. However, the liquid must also have a low viscosity, meaning it is able to flow easily.

Can a liquid turn into a ball on its own?

No, a liquid cannot turn into a ball on its own. External forces, such as gravity or surface tension, are needed to create the shape of a ball. Once these forces are removed, the liquid will return to its original form.

Why does a liquid turn into a ball when dropped?

When a liquid is dropped, it is subjected to the force of gravity. This force pulls the liquid down and creates a drop shape due to surface tension. As the drop falls, it becomes more spherical until it reaches a stable size and shape.

Can a solid turn into a liquid ball?

No, a solid cannot turn into a liquid ball. Solids have a fixed shape and cannot flow like liquids. However, some substances, such as certain types of glass, can appear to have a liquid-like behavior due to their high viscosity and slow flow rate.

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