Certainly! One example of non-Newtonian physics is the behavior of non-Newtonian fluids. These are fluids whose viscosity, or resistance to flow, is not constant but instead depends on the applied forces or deformation rates. Two well-known examples of non-Newtonian fluids are shear-thinning fluids and shear-thickening fluids.
Shear-Thinning Fluids: These fluids exhibit a decrease in viscosity as shear stress or deformation rate increases. One common example is ketchup. When you shake a bottle of ketchup vigorously or apply a sudden force, it becomes less viscous and flows more easily. However, when the force is removed, it returns to its original higher viscosity. Other examples of shear-thinning fluids include toothpaste, some paints, and blood.
Shear-Thickening Fluids: These fluids, in contrast, show an increase in viscosity as shear stress or deformation rate increases. A classic example of a shear-thickening fluid is a mixture of cornstarch and water known as oobleck. When you apply slow forces to oobleck, it behaves like a liquid and flows. However, when you apply a sudden force or try to walk on it quickly, it solidifies and resists penetration.
These examples demonstrate that the behavior of these fluids does not follow Newton's law of viscosity, which states that the viscosity of a fluid remains constant regardless of the shear stress or deformation rate applied. Instead, non-Newtonian fluids exhibit unique and often complex behavior, which can be influenced by factors such as shear rate, stress, and time.