Why are we able to sip hot tea or milk faster from a saucer rather than a cup?

We are able to sip hot tea or milk faster from a saucer rather than a cup because of the difference in surface area available for cooling.

Complete step-by-step solution –

1. A cup has a smaller surface area exposed to air, so the heat from the hot liquid escapes slowly. This keeps the tea or milk hot for a longer time.

2. A saucer, on the other hand, has a wide and shallow shape. When tea or milk is poured into it, the liquid spreads out over a larger surface area.

3. As a result, heat is lost more quickly from the surface of the liquid in the saucer through:

Evaporation – faster because of the larger exposed area.

Conduction and convection – more efficient due to the thin layer of liquid.

4. This rapid cooling makes the liquid in the saucer reach a comfortable drinking temperature faster than in the cup.

This is a practical example of how surface area affects the rate of cooling.

The same principle is used in everyday life, such as spreading clothes to dry (larger surface area means faster drying).

Thus, sipping from a saucer allows us to drink hot tea or milk sooner because the liquid cools down faster compared to when it is in a cup.