How Does Styrofoam React with Different Liquids?

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The discussion centers on the interaction between a styrofoam cup and a mixture of bourbon and Coke. Observations indicate that liquid appears on the outside bottom of the cup after a short period, raising questions about the cup's integrity and potential leakage. It is suggested that the styrofoam may not necessarily leak with all drinkable substances, but the acidity of Coke could accelerate the disintegration of the styrofoam. The bourbon's acidity is questioned, with some participants noting that significant melting of styrofoam typically requires stronger solvents, like acetone, rather than soft drinks. Additionally, the phenomenon of liquid clinging to the cup is discussed, with speculation that it could be due to condensation rather than actual melting or diffusion of the styrofoam. Overall, the consensus leans towards the likelihood of a macroscopic hole or condensation rather than chemical dissolution.
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Applied Chemistry Question :)

Ok,

My roomate poured me a Weller (bourbon) and Coke in a new styrofoam cup. About 15 minutes later, I noticed that all along the bottom-most sections (and on the entire bottom) of the cup, the cup had tiny specks of the drink on the outside of the bottom (and to a lesser extent, the lower sides). But the specks apparently weren't large/strong enough to fall off the cup (like happens sometimes with soft drinks, etc.,).

My questions is thus:

Obviously the styrofoam is leaking to some degree. But will the cup ultimately leak no what (drinkable) substance is put in (including plain water)?

If so, does the Coke and or the bourbon speed up the disintegration of the Stryofroam?? Why?

My thought is that the acid from the Coke causes the Stryofoam to melt faster. I am not sure if bourbon (or any liquor for that matter) is acidic, so that could also account for a lot of the disintegration, but maybe not.

Finally, does styrofoam have any particular characteristics that cause the liquid to "cling" to its counterparts inside the cup [or possibly the cup itself]? Why?

Any and all thoughts are much appreciated. Thanks!

*Not a HW question
 
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If your coke causes the styrofoam to 'melt', you wouldn't have a cup in the end would you? I don't believe diffusion happens that quickly (i.e. 15 minutes) to be observable anyway, not to mention it would evaporate by that time. What I would suspect is simply a macroscopic hole/leak in your cup or simply condensation.
 
The most probably way you are going to melt that styrofoam cup would be to drink some acetone.
 
comopunds of hydrocarbon nature dissolve to a certain extent in styrofoam (polystyrene), maybe not so much of coke, it's probably the bourbon
 

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