Today in chemistry class, we experimented with cornstarch and water to create a substance known as "Oobleck". Before starting this lab, we defined what it meant if matter was solid or liquid. Solid matter is tough and the atoms stick together so it has a constant shape, while liquid matter holds the form of whatever container it is in and is flexible. We used these definitions to determine whether Oobleck is a solid or liquid.
When I applied pressure to the Oobleck, the substance would form like clay. When I released this pressure, the Oobleck would create an illusion of melting and act like a liquid. I noticed the matter would never completely turn into a solid or liquid long enough to be labeled as one of these states. I suspect the pressure being applied to the Oobleck determines what type of matter the substance is. Meaning if you are squeezing the Oobleck in your hand, you can call it a solid. And if you release the tension and watch the Oobleck flow through your fingers, you can call it a liquid. Below is a video of the Oobleck being thrown on the table as a solid, and then begins to soften and look like a liquid.
To start, we had a bowl of water and added cornstarch to the liquid. After mixing for about 30 seconds, it became too tough to mix with a spoon, so we switched to using our hands. When the water was well mixed with the powder, we noticed a change in the matter. While it looked like a liquid on top, it was very difficult to stick anything through the surface. My group and I took handfuls of the Oobleck and watched the matter change. We could drip the Oobleck from the bowl onto our hands, but then the Oobleck would dry quickly and almost return to a powder form.