World’s Slowest Experiment: Hungary & the Pitch Drop

The World’s Most patient Experiment: Nearly a Century Watching Pitch Drip

A decades-long experiment at the University of Queensland demonstrates the astonishingly slow flow of pitch, a substance seemingly solid at room temperature.

For nearly a century, scientists have maintained a vigil over a single experiment, a testament to the power of patience in the pursuit of knowledge. this ongoing observation, described by one source as “the strongest example of the patience required by science,” began in 1927 and continues today, captivating researchers and the public alike.

The Experiment Begins: A Drop in Time

The story began with physicist Thomas Parnell at the University of Queensland, who filled a closed funnel with pitch – one of the most viscous substances known to humankind. Three years later, in 1930, Parnell opened the funnel, initiating a slow, purposeful flow.The experiment aimed to demonstrate a seemingly counterintuitive truth: that pitch, which appears solid at room temperature, is, actually, a highly viscous liquid.

Pitch is not like water or honey. It’s approximately a hundred billion times more viscous than water,meaning it resists flow to an extraordinary degree. The rate of flow is so slow that the human eye can barely detect it. “The pitch drips so slowly into the glass placed below that the human eye can practically not see it!” one observer noted.

Did you know? – Pitch is a byproduct of pine tar production, a sticky residue left after distilling resin. It’s a naturally occurring substance, but its extreme viscosity makes it unusual for scientific study.

A Drip every Decade

it took eight years for the first drop to fall. Following this initial milestone, the pitch continued to drip at a rate of roughly one drop every eight years. This rhythm was disrupted in the 1980s when the building housing the experiment was air-conditioned, slightly altering the temperature and, consequently, the flow rate.

To date, only nine drops have emerged from the funnel, with the most recent occurring in 2014. Scientists initially predicted the tenth drop would arrive in the 2020s, but thay remain in anticipation. The experiment’s longevity is remarkable, and with pitch still remaining in the funnel, it could theoretically continue for decades, even centuries.

Pro tip – Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. Higher viscosity means a thicker substance, like pitch, while lower viscosity means a thinner substance, like water.

A Legacy of Watchful Waiting

The experiment has been overseen by a succession of dedicated caretakers. Despite their commitment, neither Parnell nor his successor, physicist John Mainstone, who took over in 1961, ever witnessed a drop fall during their tenure. Mainstone dedicated 52 years to the experiment, only to miss a potential viewing in 2000 due to a thunderstorm that disrupted a live broadcast. He passed away just months before the April 2014 drop.

The story highlights the often-unseen dedication required in long-term scientific endeavors. “Despite the watchful eyes, he had never witnessed a drop fall,” illustrating the unpredictable nature of the experiment.

Current caretaker, physics profes

Reader question – What does this experiment tell us about the nature of matter and the importance of long-term observation in science? Share your thoughts!

News Report Additions:

Why: The experiment was initiated by physicist Thomas Parnell in 1927 to demonstrate that pitch, despite appearing solid, is a highly viscous liquid and flows over time. It also serves as a exhibition of the importance of patience and long-term observation in scientific research.

Who: The experiment was started by Thomas Parnell at the University of Queensland. John Mainstone took over in 1961 and dedicated 52 years to the