Which cup will be cooler after a few minutes?
2007-11-24 12:51:12 · 3 answers · asked by summersun 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The one with the spoon in it due to conduction into the spoon (cool spoon in hot cofee) and also convection/radiation as heat is lost through the spoon handle into the air and surroundings. (as well as normal heat loss through cup).
2007-11-24 12:55:37 · answer #1 · answered by science_guy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the initial temperature of the spoon.
If the spoon is extremely cold, it could freeze the coffee solid. If the spoon is extremely hot, it could vaporize most of the coffee. However, if the spoon has the same initial temperature as the coffee, the coffee with the spoon in it will cool faster. The spoon provides extra surface area exposed to the air, and it conducts heat well.
2007-11-24 13:00:25 · answer #2 · answered by lithiumdeuteride 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The one with the spoon. The spoon sucks heat out of the coffee.
2007-11-24 12:54:19 · answer #3 · answered by mazdamandan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋