MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Re: Why does an ice cube in a cup stay in the same place while the cup turns?

Date: Mon May 22 12:02:58 2000
Posted By: Uli Dammer, Secondary School Teacher, -, Gymnasium Liestal
Area of science: Physics
ID: 958429174.Ph
Message:

Dear Jessica

In fact, it is not only the ice cube but also the water (or coke or whatever) that more or less keeps its position if one slowly turns the glass. The truth is: Everything has the tendency to keep its position unless it is forced to move ("Newtons 1. law"). In your case, the connection ("friction") between the glass and the water is too weak to make it move.

I'd like to recommend another method to get the ice cube to the other side: Try to tilt the glass towards yourself (without spilling the liquid), give the ice some seconds and they'll move to the other side (because they "swim up") !


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