It happens when you’re “emptying” all sorts of containers, including cocktail shakers and wine bottles. I hadn’t given it much thought, but you have inspired me to figure out what really is going on.
What’s undoubtedly happening is that as you “empty” the container, some of the liquid encounters microscopic rough spots or non-wettable spots on the container’s inside surface.
These spots hold back small drops of the liquid, which remain stuck there as long as the container continues to be inverted. But when you return it to its upright position, the small drops can slide back down, because the path had been smooth up until they encountered those snags.
So the drops do slide back down, joining their brethren at the bottom to form a pool. The pool is now heavier than any individual drop, so when you invert the container again the pool can steamroller right down past the rough spots.
I hope you are happier for understanding that. I know I am.
Related Posts
-
What is the Difference between Whole Milk, Skim Milk, 2 Percent Milk, and 1 Percent Milk?
Remember when true skim milk was blue-white, and the edge around the glass was translucent? Why can't we have good old skim milk back again? When a billboard asks, "Got milk?," we may…
-
Why Does Liquid Flow Down the Side of a Container If You Pour It Too Slowly and What Is the Coanda Effect?
When a carton of liquid is tipped during pouring, the free surface of the liquid in the container is raised relative to the opening. This creates a pressure difference between the free surface…
-
How is Goat’s Milk Different From Cow’s Milk and Are Goats Harder to Milk than Cows?
Goats produce about 2% of the world's total annual milk supply, and Goat's milk has higher digestibility than milk from cows, and is nutritious and therapeutic. Goat's milk also has a different alkalinity,…
-
What is the Difference between Apple Juice and Apple Cider and Is Apple Juice Pasteurized?
In this country, apple juice and apple cider are often used interchangeably, referring simply to the liquid that runs out of pressed apples. But in most other countries, cider means apple juice that…
-
Who Built the First Liquid Fueled Rocket In the World and When Was the First Liquid Fueled Rocket Launched?
In 1926, Robert Goddard, a rocket engineer, fired the first rocket propelled by liquid fuel, solid fuel had already been discounted as not powerful enough to send anything into space. The first flight…
-
Where Does Liquid Smoke come from and How is Liquid Smoke Flavoring Made?
While its name may be a bit nutty, liquid smoke is a legitimate and useful product. It adds a smoky flavor to foods without our having to go out and chop wood and…
