No, you typically do not add water to magic sand in the same way you would add water to ordinary sand to make it wet or stick together.
Magic sand possesses unique properties that make it interact with water in a very different manner.
Understanding Magic Sand and Water
The key characteristic of magic sand, as highlighted in the provided reference, is its hydrophobic nature.
- Magic Sand: Has a special coating that makes it hydrophobic, meaning it "hates" water. This coating prevents water from clinging to the individual sand grains. As the reference states, water rolls right off magic sand, so it doesn't get wet.
- Ordinary Sand: When ordinary sand encounters water, the water clings to the sand grains. This process wets the sand and allows the grains to stick together, enabling the creation of sandcastles or other structures.
Why the Difference Matters
Because water rolls off magic sand without wetting it, adding water doesn't achieve the same result as with ordinary sand. The sand grains remain dry and loose, even when submerged in water. This property is often the basis for experiments and demonstrations showcasing its unique behavior.
In summary, while you can place magic sand in water, you don't add water to it to make it wet or cohesive like regular sand. Its primary feature is its ability to repel water.
