Why does a spoon in a cup keep the cup from cracking when you add hot water

Subject: Why does a spoon in a cup keep the cup from cracking when you add hot water

Date: Mon Mar 19 12:10:15 2001
Posted by Brent
Grade level: 10-12 School: High School
City: Midland State/Province: MI Country: usa
Area of science: Engineering
ID: 985021815.Eg

Message:


My mom always does this when she is making jello or hot tea, and my dad says it 
is an old wives' tale that the spoon will keep the cup from cracking.  I would 
like to know who is right and why.  I have an interest in heat transfer but 
can't figure this one out.

Re: Why does a spoon in a cup keep the cup from cracking when you add hot water

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