ward.nina•5h ago

My coffee cooled faster than I expected and now I'm curious about heat transfer

I always assumed it was just the air around it. Can someone point me to a simple explanation?

4 comments

4 Comments

jessicahunt2h ago

It's the air AND the cup, actually.

shane_scott491h ago

Your "air AND cup" point makes too much of a small thing.

quinng792h ago

Have you thought about the steam? It quietly takes heat away when it leaves. That can drop the temperature faster than the air or cup alone.

amy3021h ago

Oh yeah steam is low-key carrying heat out. Leave the lid off your mug for a minute after pouring, lets that vapor escape quick. You'll notice the temp drops faster than if you just let it sit sealed.