Why does coffee in a glass leaves its signatory on the surface?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of liquid rings forming under coffee cups, attributed primarily to spilled liquid and condensation effects. Participants noted that both hot and cold liquids can contribute to this occurrence, with hot liquids causing condensation on cooler surfaces. Additionally, residual water from washing mugs can also lead to similar marks if not dried properly. The conversation highlights the interplay between temperature, liquid properties, and surface interactions in creating these visible rings.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics and surface tension
  • Knowledge of condensation processes
  • Familiarity with temperature effects on materials
  • Basic principles of heat transfer
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  • Research the principles of fluid dynamics in relation to surface interactions
  • Explore the science of condensation and its effects on various surfaces
  • Investigate temperature gradients and their impact on liquid behavior
  • Examine the properties of different materials and their reactions to heat and moisture
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This discussion is beneficial for scientists, educators, and anyone interested in the physical properties of liquids and materials, particularly in relation to everyday phenomena like condensation and fluid dynamics.

Zohar
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How does hot fluid comes down to the surface of the glass it's in?
Some of us may use coffee coaster for our drinks. I was always wondering about that phenomenon and failed to find something on the net yet.
 
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Zohar said:
Summary:: How does hot fluid comes down to the surface of the glass it's in?

Some of us may use coffee coaster for our drinks. I was always wondering about that phenomenon and failed to find something on the net yet.
Can you please restate the question, I am struggling to understand what you are referring to
 
Haven't you seen a circle of fluid under a cup of coffee? How does it happen?
 
Zohar said:
Haven't you seen a circle of fluid under a cup of coffee? How does it happen?

ohh ok, that's what you are referring to ...

Because the coffee has been spilt/dribbled down the side of the cup ... simple as that
 
Zohar said:
How does it happen?

it will happen on any cup, drinking glass, bottle of any liquid
and it will happen in a different way if the liquid is cold and it produces condensation
that then runs down the side of the container to the base. This is in addition to any
liquid that rund down the outside surface of the cup etc from what is dribbled/spilt
during the drinking process
 
Zohar said:
a circle of fluid under a cup of coffee?
I wonder if you leave your mugs on the side of the sink after washing them up. A small amount of water can stay in the inverted bottom and that can turn up on the table top. Experiment to find if drying up the mug totally will solve the problem. I can't think of any other reason.

Except if there is water in the wood(?) surface which is brought to the surface by the hot mug and then condenses round the cooler periphery to form a ring. Or is the ring in fact due to water and not just a temporary effect of heat on the varnish?

This is a Sherlock Holmes problem.
 

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