Organic Chemistry- Silly Putty

Silly Putty

Description: Silly Putty is a silicone polymer which is a non-Newtonian fluid, similar to slime. It has dilatant properties; it expands when sheared, resulting in an increased viscosity under stress. As a result, silly putty will form thin strands when it is pulled apart slowly, but it will break when pulled apart sharply.

Source: UW Card Catalog

Year: N/A   Vol: N/A   Page: N/A

Keywords: Silicone polymer, Dilatant properties

Rating: 

Hazard: Low

  • Commercial product determined non-toxic

Effectiveness: Average

  • Results are observable with guidance
  • Mild effects are seen by audience
  • Time to results is low
  • Good connection from demo to course material
  • Good contrast in system behavior

Difficulty: Low

  • Simple procedures
  • Simple manipulations for most to perform

Safety Precautions:

  • Eye protection required

Class: Organic Chemistry, Polymers

Division: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry

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