T-Science - Comments

Does adding milk to tea affect how fast it cools?

Aidrian Wells, 08/03/02:

Where does all this stand with Iced Tea?
And does goats' milk work in the same way as conventional cows' milk?
Besides, as a beer drinker I primarily add milk only to Cornflakes. These are stored at room temperature and I have found that by adding milk from the fridge not only do the cornflakes start to go soggy but they also get much colder. Is this related to your graph by a similar exponential?

How about comparing fine china cups to an Ikea mug as well. Does a saucer make a difference?  What about plastic versus metal spoons to stir and sugar lumps compared to free flowing sugar or granules.  The possibilities are endless and I'm sure you've got better things to do!

Have you considered use of Whitening powder, such as the sachets received with in flight drinks. I would imagine the different fat contents (Diet/regular) combined with the little(?) impact upon starting temperature may show some difference.

However, it has long been my belief that the colour of the mug used, as well as the degree of glaze on the mug could have a greater effect than the addition of a coolant. As we can all remember from high school physics Dark colours radiate heat more readily than light colours and Matt finishes radiate heat more readily than glossy. Also of greater importance could be China vs. Earthenware (Difficult to do as I know it is sacrilege to use an earthenware mug for tea, but some people do persist with this course of action).