How does my TGIF Cup change colors?

Question

How does my cup differentiate between Hot and Cold? To the point that it changes colors? How do you get a cup to do that?

Answer 1

Your cup is coated with what are called liquid crystals. These are organic compounds that change color because they change orientation as you warm them. You may have a laptop computer whose display is made from liquid crystals. They display black, white, red, yellow, blue, according to how they are stimulated.