Scientists discover liquids can fracture like solids under extreme stress

Researchers at Drexel University found that liquids can fracture like solids under extreme stress.

The effect happens when a liquid is pulled apart quickly so it cannot flow away from the stressed region.

If pulled with enough force per area the liquid reaches a critical stress and breaks; experiments showed breakup around 2 megapascals of tension.

Higher-viscosity liquids tend to snap more easily, and the fracture is accompanied by a sudden loud snapping noise.

This observation challenges the prior belief that liquids have no breaking point and was seen in simple liquids like water and oil.