It’s a fact that the world is an infinitely cooler place thanks to the things YouTubers decide to make and share with rest of the world. And that’s especially true with this hot tub converted into a fluidized bed of sand.
We’ve shared quite a few things by YouTuber Mark Rober over the years because we love his unique mix of entertainment and scientific explanation. All of his videos combine educational material with the right amount of crazy experiments to keep us watching. And he may have outdone himself this time with his liquid sand hot tub.
The practice of liquefying granulated material with air is used in manufacturing and farming but becomes a real treat when applied to something fun. The internet is full of experiments showing small tubs of sand turning into swirling liquid-like pools but none explain it as clearly as Rober’s does. Basically, the introduction of the right amount of air into a (hot) tub of sand counteracts the downward force of gravity, and while in this equilibrium, allows it to move more like a liquid than a solid. Too much air and the sand blows all over the place. Too little and things don’t move too much.
Understand fluidized beds a bit more after the video? Let’s discuss in the comments below!
Image: Mark Rober
Stay scientific with these stories!
- The first ever video of a baby nautilus hatching.
- The voice of GLaDOS sings about the electromagnetic spectrum.
- Can you hear the sound in this silent gif?