[Corvettaholic]

So I noticed a really neat phenomena about 10 minutes ago. I was outside smoking, like I always do at work, and I had to spit. I hit the wall, and my spit glob just bounced right off! Like a rubber ball. Didn't even leave a mark on the wall.

Given that the wall is *really* rough stone, I just had an energy drink and smoked a pall mall, and its about 90 degrees F outside, why would this happen? Is the surface tension of spit that strong where it could behave like a solid? As gross as it may be, I think its pertinent to mention that there was a very minimal amount of phlegm in the spit. Maybe that has something to do with surface tension of the liquid projectile?

Thinking about this has made me wonder about surface tension of other liquids that I have at my house. Like cleaning agents, melted butter, and stuff like that. Its because of surface tension that tiny bugs can 'walk' on water, right?

[Borek]

Was the wall dust covered? It will facilitate bouncing, as the spit will glue to the dust instead of wall.

[Corvettaholic]

It was an outside wall, that was about as smooth as a handful of sharp rocks. Only lumpier.