why do they put wax on paper cups?

Answer 1

To reinforce the paper. Liquid is absorbed into paper. The wax is a barrier. Make sense?

Answer 2

Because the wax keeps the paper from falling apart when you put liquid in the cup.
Do a simple experiment. Take a piece of wax paper and a piece of regular typing paper (or notebook paper). If you don't have wax paper, use a crayon to completely color both sides of a small sheet (this could take a long time if the paper is large :)). Then, dunk each piece in a tub of water. notice how the regular paper soaks up the water and becomes easier to tear? But the water beads up and rolls off the paper with wax on it.
Now do the same experiment using HOT water (if you are a child, have someone help you so you don't get burned). Notice how the wax begins to melt and the water can now soak into the paper? This is why you see people using foam cups when they drink coffee... waxed coffee is icky.

Answer 3

So that the cup will not break, and because the paper cups will soak in the drink inside, so therefore they had to put wax on it.

Answer 4

Melt some chocolate then stir in some cornflakes. Spoon out little servings of the mixture and put into the paper cups. Leave to cool by either putting in the fridge or just leaving it on the counter or whatever.

Answer 5

Well, that was before plastic coating or plastic cups were common.

Without any water proof coating, the paper will soak up the liquid and just leak out all over the place.

Talk about a waste of good booze. ;-(

Answer 6

Duuhh! To prevent liquids from saturating the paper container! ;-)=

Answer 7

water proofing..or at least a attempt....lol

Answer 8

so that you can use it as a candle afterwerds, of course !