Question

Is quicksand shear thickening or shear thinning? From what you have learnt, is it wise to run on quicksand same as what you might do on cornstarch? How are the two different?

Answer 1

with time and no disturbance quicksand become more viscous and firm but with sudden pressure it liquifies very fast. which makes it shear thining thixotropic non nutonian like fluids e.g. toothpaste.

quicksand is mixture of  fine sand, very fine micron-sized particles of clay, and water.

cornstarch is on the other hand posses shear thickning properties so it can bear sudden change in pressure. it gets stiffer on impact unlike quicksand which liquifies on sudden change in pressure.

hope i have explained it properly. thank you.