ENIGMA: Why put a glass rod in coffee cup?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the purpose of a glass rod placed in a coffee cup by a science teacher, exploring potential physical and chemical explanations for its use. Participants consider various theories related to stirring, heat retention, marking ownership, and other speculative functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest the glass rod could be used for stirring to help dissolve sugar or sweetener.
  • Others propose it might serve as a marker for ownership of the cup, deterring others from using it.
  • A few participants speculate that the rod could relate to capillary action or surface tension, possibly indicating the strength of the coffee based on how much of the rod is submerged.
  • Some express skepticism about the rod's purpose, questioning whether it is pseudoscience or merely decorative.
  • There are discussions about whether the rod could affect the taste of the coffee or maintain its freshness, with some noting that glass is inert compared to metal.
  • Participants also mention that the effect could be reproduced with a spoon in other drinks, complicating the search for a definitive explanation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the purpose of the glass rod, with multiple competing theories and ongoing uncertainty about its function.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on assumptions about the properties of materials (glass vs. metal) and the specific context of the teacher's use of the rod, which remains unresolved.

  • #61
jarednjames said:
And the name of the medical condition is? Perhaps a source to back it up?

My initial thoughts were medical, but then I was curious whether or not a metal spoon would react enough to cause problems.

Regardless, the effect the glass rod has can be replicated by a spoon, so even if what you claim is true it doesn't fit the conditions of the problem.

Sure. My source is "1001 cocktail party jokes" in softcover. I forget the author and publisher.
 
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  • #62
Oh poo. Completely missed that one, only read down as far as "medical related".
 
  • #63
A stirring rod is a glass rod, typically about 6 inches to 1 foot long and 1/8 to 1/4 inch in diameter that can be used to stir liquids in flasks or beakers.

You can also use a stirring rod to help pour liquids without spilling. Because of surface tension, liquids tend to run down an object. So if you hold a glass rod vertically, with one end in the opening of the beaker or flask you are pouring into, and then hold the top end of the glass rod against the rim beaker you are pouring out of, the liquid will run down the rod and not spill. Be careful... it might take a little practice to get the proper technique!

Sometimes, an attachment called a rubber policeman added to the end of the stirring rod. It is used to transfer residues of precipitates or solids from the inside or beakers, flasks or other glass surfaces. They are often made from rubber, but plastic ones can also be found.



Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a...policeman_and_how_are_they_used#ixzz1ByxwHPRJ

I hope this helps... an old bartender trick, might want to ask the old dog if he salts thee napkins whilst he drinks! I do!
 
  • #64
Thanks for confirming to us what a glass rod is exactly, just in case someone was unsure of what a glass rod consisted of... :rolleyes:

However, we've been down the road of using it to pour the liquid.

There's been no mention of any additional 'attachments', so I don't think they are part of the item / solution.
 
  • #65
The truth is that can be the only thing a spoon ans the glass rod be used for. The reason I put size down was in case it was somethng totally different. Besides try to pour a black and tan without a spoon... can't do it, some elderly people still use the glass rod to help pour hot liquids. Just a thought.
 
  • #66
Well it's a nice try, just have to wait for the OP to return.

We've had a lot of "only possibilities" over the last day or so.
 
  • #67
The glass rod can also aid in pouring the liquid out of the container. The rod is removed, then laid over the top, across the diameter of the lip, and held skillfully with one finger. Then let the pouring liquid flow down the extending rod.

This helps to control the flow better, otherwise the liquid could break off and occasionally drip.
 
  • #68
skeleton said:
The glass rod can also aid in pouring the liquid out of the container. The rod is removed, then laid over the top, across the diameter of the lip, and held skillfully with one finger. Then let the pouring liquid flow down the extending rod.

This helps to control the flow better, otherwise the liquid could break off and occasionally drip.

Thank you for repeating this idea for the third time.

People, please read through before posting. We're getting a lot of recurring ideas.
 
  • #69
To the OP: Has the solution been revealed? If so, I'd love to hear it.
 
  • #70
Yep me too.

Does the coffee have milk on it? Maybe its to concentrate all the undissolved coffee around it?
 

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