LIQUIDS

Think of pouring a glass of milk into round cup. What shape does the milk form? Yes, it makes the shape of the round cup! What if you were to pour the milk into a square pan? What shape would it be? If you answered "square," you are right! If you don't believe me, try it yourself with milk or another liquid such as water or juice.

Liquids are like solids because they take up space, you can see them, and they have weight.

Liquids are different from solids because they do not keep their shapes when put into a container, whether the container is a box, glass, or bucket. Liquids can flow, be poured, and be spilled. They have no definite shape because they take the shape of the container they are poured into.

Do you remember that molecules of solids are tightly packed together, which gives them their shape? Well, molecules of liquids are farther apart and moving, which is why they change shape and also why we can pour them.

The definition of a liquid is: "A liquid is a sample of matter that conforms to the shape of a container in which it is held."

Some examples of liquids are:

• Soda
• Mouthwash
• Kool-Aid
• Vinegar
• Water
• Gasoline
• Hairspray
• Dish soap

Now, you are ready to begin making oobleck! Click on the Oobleck Recipe link below!

Oobleck Recipe

Back to "What is a Solid?"

Back to Oobleck Home Page

Links

CS255 Computers in El Ed Home Page

Link to Northern Michigan University

A. Hebein: ahebein@nmu.edu