What would happen if you mixed corn starch with water and then let it sit overnight?

If you mix cornstarch with water and let it sit overnight, you will end up with a gel-like substance. This is because the cornstarch molecules will absorb water and swell up, causing them to form a network of bonds that trap water molecules. This network of bonds is what gives the cornstarch and water mixture its gel-like consistency.

The gel-like consistency of cornstarch and water can be used to create a variety of different foods, such as pudding, pie filling, and even gummy bears. It can also be used as a thickening agent in soups and sauces.

Here is a more detailed explanation of what happens when you mix cornstarch with water and let it sit overnight:

1. The cornstarch molecules absorb water. When cornstarch is mixed with water, the cornstarch molecules will begin to absorb water. This is because the cornstarch molecules are hydrophilic, which means that they are attracted to water. As the cornstarch molecules absorb water, they will swell up and become much larger.

2. The cornstarch molecules form a network of bonds. As the cornstarch molecules swell up, they will start to form a network of bonds with each other. These bonds are called hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonds are weak bonds that form between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom, such as oxygen or nitrogen. In cornstarch, the hydrogen atoms on the cornstarch molecules form hydrogen bonds with the oxygen atoms on the water molecules.

3. The network of bonds traps water molecules. The network of hydrogen bonds that form between the cornstarch molecules traps water molecules. This is what gives the cornstarch and water mixture its gel-like consistency. The gel-like consistency of cornstarch and water can be used to create a variety of different foods, such as pudding, pie filling, and even gummy bears. It can also be used as a thickening agent in soups and sauces.