The Pitch Drop Experiment, a scientific endeavor initiated nearly a century ago, has fascinated scientists and the public alike with its slow-moving progress.
Started in 1927 by Australian physicist Thomas Parnell, this experiment at the University of Queensland, Australia, was designed to measure the viscosity and fluidity of pitch, a substance known for being the thickest liquid on Earth.
Nearly 100 years later, the experiment continues to astonish observers, with the next drop expected within this decade.
Origins and Purpose of the Experiment
The Pitch Drop Experiment was born out of curiosity about the properties of pitch, a derivative of tar historically used for waterproofing boats. At room temperature, pitch appears solid—it can be shattered with a hammer and holds its shape for years. Yet, it is a liquid, as demonstrated by its ability to flow, albeit incredibly slowly.
To showcase this paradoxical nature, Thomas Parnell set up the experiment in 1927. He heated the pitch to make it pourable and allowed it to settle in a glass funnel with a sealed stem. For three years, the pitch cooled and solidified, appearing motionless. In 1930, Parnell cut the funnel’s stem to allow the pitch to flow freely.
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The setup was kept under standard environmental conditions, placed in a display cabinet where seasonal temperature fluctuations could naturally affect the pitch’s movement. Despite this simple setup, the experiment became a landmark demonstration of extreme viscosity.
The Journey Through the Decades
The experiment’s first drop of pitch fell eight years after the setup was finalized. Progress continued at a glacial pace, with subsequent drops falling every 10 to 12 years. By the time the late Professor John Mainstone took over as custodian in 1961, six drops had fallen. Mainstone managed the experiment for 52 years, ensuring its continuation and public engagement.
The Pitch Drop Experiment at the University of Queensland, initiated in 1927 by Professor Thomas Parnell, is the longest-running laboratory experiment in history, demonstrating the viscosity of pitch. It involves a sealed funnel where pitch, a highly viscous material, drips so… pic.twitter.com/Oh7PVk54dU
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However, one of the most intriguing aspects of the experiment is that no one has ever witnessed a drop fall. Due to its extremely slow movement, the precise moment when a drop separates from the funnel remains elusive. Technological glitches have thwarted attempts to capture this moment on camera.
As of the last update, nine drops have fallen, and there is enough pitch remaining in the funnel for the experiment to continue for another century. This long-term nature has made the Pitch Drop Experiment the Guinness World Record holder for the longest-running laboratory experiment.
Findings and Legacy
The Pitch Drop Experiment has revealed fascinating insights into the properties of pitch. At room temperature, the pitch behaves as a liquid, with a viscosity approximately 100 billion times greater than water. This discovery not only challenged perceptions of pitch as a solid but also deepened understanding of the behavior of high-viscosity fluids.
In recognition of its unique contribution to science and its humorous yet thought-provoking nature, the experiment received the Ig Nobel Prize in 2005. This satirical award celebrates scientific achievements that “first make people laugh, then make them think.” Both Thomas Parnell (posthumously) and John Mainstone were honored for their roles in this remarkable endeavor.
Beyond its scientific value, the experiment has become a cultural phenomenon. It highlights the importance of patience and curiosity in scientific discovery, proving that even seemingly trivial questions can yield profound insights.
The Pitch Drop Experiment is a testament to the enduring nature of scientific curiosity. What began as a classroom demonstration has evolved into a global icon of patience, perseverance, and the wonders of science.
With its next drop expected soon and the potential to continue for another hundred years, the experiment remains a compelling symbol of humanity’s quest for knowledge, no matter how slowly it may unfold.
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