Book 1, Question 65
Why Is Quicksand Not a Movie Deathtrap? Science Has the Story!
Movies make quicksand look scary, but science has the real story. Quicksand is sand mixed with water, which can act like a thick, goopy liquid. The page says you float more easily than movies show, and thrashing makes you sink, while slow, wide movements help you stay on top. Full burial is very rare, and staying calm and getting help is the smart plan. Try making oobleck from cornstarch and water to feel how something can seem solid or soft depending on how you move.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 1
More fun facts
- Quicksand is a mix of fine sand, clay, and salty water.
- Quicksand has a density of about 2 grams per milliliter, while a person is only about 1 gram per milliliter.
- Because you are less dense, scientists found it is impossible for a person to be pulled completely under.
- Sitting still, quicksand slowly thickens. When it is shaken, it turns runny very quickly.
- In tests, even a heavy aluminum bead floated on quicksand until shaking made the sand turn liquid.
- Quicksand makes a sucking force that makes it hard to move anywhere but down, so it can still be a real hassle.
- People who know quicksand say you will most likely not sink past your waist.
Sources: National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine
Questions kids ask
Can quicksand swallow a person?
No. A person is less dense than quicksand, so studies show you cannot be pulled all the way under.
What is quicksand made of?
Fine sand, clay, and salty water.