Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

When we made slime with blue tide liquid detergent, borax, lotion, white glue and foaming hand soap, and then added iron filings, the consistency changed from a low viscosity to a very high viscosity. The other samples maintained their consistency for the most part. Why do you think that happened?

Hi caltenPIE4,

What was in your other samples and what is your independent variable? If the other samples didn't have white glue, it's possible that the glue congealed/partially dried in this one, making the viscosity increase. Consider the ingredients in your other slimes and compare them to the ingredients in this one; if this one has an ingredient that none of the others have, then that ingredient is probably the culprit.

Elena