What is the science behind magic sand?
Magic sand has a thin coating of trimethylhydroxysilane, which makes the sand hydrophobic. And if you pour away the water, a magic sand sculpture collapses into a pile of completely dry sand, instead of maintaining its shape as wet beach sand does. That’s because magic sand repels water instead of absorbing it.
What is the sand that stays dry in water?
Magic Sand
Magic Sand (also known as Aqua Sand or Space Sand) is a type of sand that doesn’t get wet when placed in water.
What happens to kinetic sand when it gets wet?
If kinetic sand gets wet, it tends to stick to other surfaces. If yours has become wet, spread it out evenly on a surface, and let it air dry. It will completely dry within a few hours, and return back to its original texture.
Why does magic sand clump in water?
Unlike normal sand, magic sand has a hydrophobic surface that repels water, so it does not get wet. Instead, magic sand clumps together under water and behaves unlike normal sand.
What happens when we mix sand and water?
When we mix sand and water, no reaction takes place. The sand simply settles down at the bottom of the water container. This is because sand is heavier than water and hence cannot float in water. In comparison, if we mix something like salt or sugar in water, they will react and make the water salty or sweet.
Why does Magic Sand clump?
Why does the Magic Sand float on the surface?
The surface of the regular sand grains is made wet by water, which means that water molecules are attracted to sand grains. Also, the surface tension of the water makes the Magic Sand float.
When was magic sand made?
1981
Long before Kinetic Sand arrived in 2014, Wham-O used chemistry to create Magic Sand—a toy substance that defied nature. Released in 1981, Magic Sand was the sand that refused to get wet.
Can you revive kinetic sand?
Kinetic Sand does not dry out; it’s probably just the humidity affecting it. Simply add a couple of drops of water with an eyedropper and it will return to its original state.
How does magic sand keep the sand dry?
However, “Magic Sand” begins as normal looking sand, until it’s coated with a substance that repels water. This special coating keeps the sand dry even after it has been dumped into a container of water.
What makes Magic sand float in a cup of water?
Also, the surface tension of the water makes the Magic Sand float. Pour a small amount of Magic Sand in a cup of water. As expected, the Magic Sand stays dry. Add about 12 drops of liquid detergent to the water and use a spoon to stir the mixture. Soap breaks down the oil coating on the sand and lowers its hydrophobic properties.
Can you add liquid detergent to magic sand?
Pour a small amount of Magic Sand in a cup of water. As expected, the Magic Sand stays dry. Add about 12 drops of liquid detergent to the water and use a spoon to stir the mixture. Soap breaks down the oil coating on the sand and lowers its hydrophobic properties.
Why does sand stick together in the water?
The Scotchguard creates a “hydrophobic” coating on the sand, which basically means the sand wants to stay away from the water. (In science, hydrophobic means “water-fearing”). This causes the grains of sand to stick together in the water, rather than spreading freely as they’d normally do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caMlbyf-TQ0