Plasticity Lab

In science class, we did a lab to demonstrate the plasticity of Earth's mantle. To do this, we used cornstarch and water, and combined them in a large beaker. The result- though very hard to stir- was extremely interesting. This mixture created a substance that went between liquid and solid. It seemed to melt when you did not handle it, but when you touched it again it was solid. Because it went between being liquid and solid very rapidly, I think it was both.

As I stated before, this lab was to demonstrate the plasticity of Earth's mantle. The mixture that we created was similar to the mantle because it reacts the same way that scientists have found that the mantle does. It has the same texture as well. Both substances are solid, yet behave like a liquid, and also behave somewhat like plastic.

I enjoyed this lab a lot. I want to try this again at home, because the mixture that we created was so interesting and fun to play with!

Source:
Wikipedia.org