The Curse of the cornstarch

Author: ilamandarina in General on 01 Mar 2010 | no comments

I do not write for days, and not because I do not feel like or do not have things to tell, but because I have been so bundled organizing the company, making presentations, responding to new proposals, which appears to have reduced my time without it ... will be effective relativists? I think not!

Before the end of January, I made a second presentation of the project Tangerine Newton at the Center of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona ( CCCB) . On this occasion, I added some new features and improvements in the experiment of light scattering, or a new experience with non-Newtonian fluids related to the long polymer molecules, which is known as Newton's beads.

The event was a success though ... Hmm ... lack cornstarch. I hoped that I had two packages of cornstarch, and have them had them, but they were empty ...

This presentation went Marta Ballesta, reporter Connexió program Barcelona Barcelona Television ( BTV ) and thanks to this first interview broadcast on February 1, and this first contact, I began a series of live collaborations with the program.

The first day I arrived to the set of BTV was quite an experience! The reception, make, experiments, speed, stage manager, sound technician, presenter Ferran Vergés ... Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. It was the day February 10. But do not you will believe what happened to the rush of live experiments and cornstarch?!! Yes, it happened again, the cornstarch-water mixture was not adequate and full finished ... Ferran balncas specks all over my face and the American ... First day and first splashed! It was funny and in fact, has appeared on many programs zapping.

Fortunately, I returned on 16 studies of BTV and may Ferran comprovar the cornstarch mixed with water (double the cornstarch than water, and this is very important because if you can not easily splash and I say from experience) is a fluid non-Newtonian. That means that the viscosity depends on temperature and pressure they are subjected. If we take a hit, it behaves as a solid, if instead introduicimos fingers gently, it behaves like a liquid. Successful test! Curse of cornstarch removed! And to celebrate, a video of cornstarch dancing with the impacts of a speaker, which no longer blows air pressure:

Remember that if you want to do the experiment of the mixture of cornstarch and water, you need twice that of water cornstarch and mix well. A trick to improve mixing is to do with your hands, do not be shy and put your hands in the dough!

In Barcelona we have also seen Connexió pressure experiments, electromagnetic induction, static electricity and solutions. Today Monday, March 1, returns with new surprises, but that will be live at 18:45! And the strength of the cornstarch with us ...

about me

I'm Irene, mandarin ila, curious and playful, who would like to understand why almost all things and the origins of the universe. Live fascinated by art, dance, shapes and colors. One day I felt certain that for me the science and art combined in disclosure. That day I chose to work as a journalist and science writer.
A little over a year Newton was born Tangerine as a blog. Its origin was in blogspot .
In 2010, tangerine moved to Wordpress and its timid beginnings are transformed into a business venture.
The Tangerine Newton is a project that combines science and technology with any other discipline, to create activities, exhibitions, meetings, and educational playthings. You can find more information on the web or follow each month on the podcast of science in Catalan of the Irene Newton Tangerine Tomàs Lapuente and Manzanares.