To Flow, OR Not To Flow....

Although water is the most well know fluid, there are literally hundreds of fluids, many of which you wouldn't think of right away. Fluids can take the form of things such as liquids, gases, plasma, and even solids.

Get ready for the physics!

Some fluids, such as water, will flow at a steady rate regardless of the amount of force exerted upon it. Water is know as a Newtonian fluid. Simply put - Whether you stir water at a fast pace or a slow pace, it still retains its same form or viscosity. The same applies to vegetable oil, although it has a higher viscosity which makes it appear thicker than water.

Other fluids, such as yogurt, gravy, and ketchup, are classified as Non-Newtonian fluids. This is because the viscosity changes when the force upon it is changed. Ketchup, for example, is always so hard to get out of the bottle without a fight. It's because of the way it reacts to force. Ketchup, in "Geek Speak" is Thixotropic. Simply put - when you tip the bottle, generally nothing happens. When you apply a "beat down" (or tap the bottle) it becomes less viscous and exits with ease. 

So the next time you crash Drake Diner in the wee hours instead of studying for finals, and somebody tells you to hit the bottle to get the ketchup to come out….believe them. They know what they are talking about!