How to turn your coffee mug into a ‘particle detector’ Science answers!

In 1922, Japanese physicist Torahiko Terada wrote an article titled ‘A Hot Cup of Tea’: discusses the possibility of observing strange patterns or movements in a container of hot liquid. For example, The idea is that it would be possible to detect the movement of particles in liquid in a coffee mug.

Since then, the subject has been investigated by other physicists interested in observing particles. In a study published in 2015, a group of scientists dug deeper into their research to understand how this phenomenon works and identified some peculiar features about it.

First, it is important to understand what these particles are. Airborne particles can consist of dust, dust mites, small soil particles, water droplets, pollutants, among others.

In the case of observation through a cup of coffee (or another hot liquid), the particles detected include both those already suspended in the air and those produced by the vapor of the liquid, which can form small aerosols.

So how exactly can you use your coffee mug as a “particle detector”? In order to explain this to you in the best way, we have compiled information from experts and scientific articles on the subject. Check this out!

“As you drink a cup of coffee in the morning sun, you may notice white vapor membranes floating on the surface of the hot water. They sit pretty close to the surface and almost seem to be stuck to it. “We examined this phenomenon using a microscope with a high-speed video camera and found intriguing details,” says the study on the subject.

A cup of tea or a ‘particle detector’?

Airborne particles are spread all over the Earth, so you can observe them everywhere. However, observation in a closed environment may be more efficient because the lack of external ventilation prevents particles near your coffee mug from dispersing.

The most scientific way Observing particles in an environment is to use a cloud chamber, but this method is not the simplest. To create a cloud chamber, you will need alcohol, a sponge, a plastic container, and dry ice.

But since dry ice is not that easy to obtain, let’s explain how you can observe the particles from inside a hot cup of coffee.

How to turn your coffee mug into a ‘particle detector’

• Prepare your coffee and pour it into the glass. It can also be hot chocolate, tea or any other hot liquid. In fact, it has to be very hot for the steam to escape;
• Place the mug in a bright location, such as near a window or under a lamp;
• Do this in a closed environment so that the vapor and droplets are more stable;
• Observe the vapor and droplets on the surface of the liquid. If you pay attention, you will be able to notice small “cracks” on the surface as well as particles appearing slightly above the cup.

Scientists still don’t fully understand the science behind this phenomenon, but they believe it has some implications. Steam rising from the cup, cosmic rays, and relationship to the difference in the electrical charge of the droplets compared to the rest of the hot liquid; or other hypotheses.

“[Torahiko Terada] “He also mentioned crack patterns along the surfaces and suggested that these patterns must be related to the temperature change enhanced by convection flow in hot water,” the study adds.

It is important to emphasize that This experiment does not create a ‘particle detector’ in the scientific sense, it just allows better observation of the particles in question.

Get up-to-date information on physics and chemistry at TecMundo. If you want, take the opportunity to understand the innovative water lifting technology that opens new possibilities for science. Until next time!