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Which is stronger: Glue or tape? - Elizabeth Cox

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The oldest glue in the world is over 8,000 years old and comes from a cave near the Dead Sea. Today, we have enough types of tape and glue to build and repair almost anything. But what gives glue and tape their stickiness? And is one stronger than the other? Elizabeth Cox explores the world of adhesives.


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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Elizabeth Cox
  • Director Sinbad Richardson
  • Animator Sinbad Richardson
  • Storyboard Artist Sinbad Richardson
  • Character Designer Sinbad Richardson
  • Sound Designer Weston Fonger
  • Vocal Effects Artist Jarrett Farkas
  • Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Julianna Zarzycki
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Interested in learning more about the details of mechanical adhesion? This piece on Mental Floss breaks down the processes of glue.

Some marine animals actually make their own glue. Watch this video that explores the biological wonders of “nature’s glue.”

Read this Scientific American piece on the physical process that makes tape sticky.

Who invented Scotch Tape? This article delves into the origins of Scotch Tape—and how it got its name.

Customize this lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Elizabeth Cox
  • Director Sinbad Richardson
  • Animator Sinbad Richardson
  • Storyboard Artist Sinbad Richardson
  • Character Designer Sinbad Richardson
  • Sound Designer Weston Fonger
  • Vocal Effects Artist Jarrett Farkas
  • Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Julianna Zarzycki

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