Why is ketchup so hard to pour? - George Zaidan
3,225,712 Views
8,161 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
Ever go to pour ketchup on your fries…and nothing comes out? Or the opposite happens, and your plate is suddenly swimming in a sea of red? George Zaidan describes the physics behind this frustrating phenomenon, explaining how ketchup and other non-Newtonian fluids can suddenly transition from solid to liquid and back again.
We say that a non-Newtonian fluid’s thickness (“apparent viscosity”) depends on how hard, how long, or how fast you apply a force. But aren’t a force’s magnitude, time, and speed related somehow? Do you think applying a strong quick force would have the same effect as a weak long force? Why or why not?
Sign in to answer questionAbout 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 George Zaidan
- Director Hector Herrera
- Producer Pazit Cahlon
- Narrator George Zaidan
