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In Stratification & Segregation: Why Does Some Sandstone Have Stripes? Hernán Makse shows how sand grains of different sizes and shapes may naturally separate after being thoroughly mixed together. Here's a way to show how large grains separate from smaller grains.
- A glass jar about a liter (a quart) in size, with a wide mouth
- Uncooked rice to fill the jar about three fourths of the way to the top
- A small rubber ball
- Put the ball in the jar along with the rice. Push the ball down so that it is buried in the rice.
- Now place the jar on the table and shake it back and forth. What happens? Can you explain the phenomenon?
But why is it called the "Brazil Nut Effect"? When you open a can of mixed nuts -- peanuts, cashews, almonds and Brazil nuts -- it often seems that the big Brazil nuts are on top. How did it happen?
Check our results.
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