How Does A Thermos Know To Keep Hot Things Hot And Cold Things Cold? – Casson Living – World News, Breaking News, International News

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        <p>Have you ever pondered the classic quip about thermoses that can maintain the temperature of hot liquids while keeping cold liquids chilled? The humorous punchline is, “But how does it know?” While it’s a lighthearted question, the underlying inquiry is far more intriguing: how do thermoses truly manage to keep our beverages at the desired temperature?</p><br />
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        <p>To grasp the answer, let’s rewind to the late 1800s when Scottish chemist and physicist James Dewar was investigating liquid oxygen, which boils at an extremely frigid -183°C (-297°F). Dewar faced the challenge of maintaining the low temperature required for his experiments, and this is where the principles of thermodynamics come into play.</p><br />
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        <p>The second law of thermodynamics explains that heat naturally flows from areas of higher temperature to areas of lower temperature. Therefore, to effectively keep items hot or cold, it’s essential to slow down this heat transfer. This is where Dewar’s brilliant invention shines.</p><br />
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        <p>Dewar devised a clever solution: he designed a flask that housed one container inside another, with a nearly perfect vacuum in between. This vacuum layer acts as a barrier, significantly reducing heat transfer via conduction and convection. Additionally, a reflective lining within the inner flask minimizes heat loss through radiation. This innovative design helps maintain the contents at their intended temperature by limiting heat exchange with the external environment.</p><br />
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        <p>So, the next time you savor a steaming cup of coffee or a well-preserved meal from your thermos, take a moment to appreciate the science at work. It’s not sorcery that keeps items hot or cold; it’s the intelligent application of thermodynamic principles pioneered by visionaries like James Dewar.</p><br />
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