Why Do Drinks Always Run Down the Side of the Cup?
By Science ABC
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Why does your tea dribble down the side of the cup instead of pouring cleanly into the glass? In this video, we explain the "teapot effect" in simple words — the tug-of-war between adhesion and cohesion, why slow pours cling to the container, how pouring speed and angle decide where the liquid goes, and why a sharp-edged spout gives a clean pour. Whether you're a student learning about surface tension, a curious mind who's tired of wiping up spills, or just someone who loves everyday physics, this explainer shows the hidden science behind a very ordinary mess. CHAPTERS: 0:00 – Why Drinks Run Down the Side of the Cup 0:34 – Adhesion and Cohesion: The Two Forces at Work 1:09 – What Is Cohesion? 1:25 – What Is Adhesion? (And the Meniscus) 1:51 – Why a Slow Pour Clings to the Container 2:16 – Pouring Angle and Surface Tension 2:32 – Smooth Pour or Dribble: Which Force Wins? 2:54 – Why Pouring Speed Matters 3:14 – Sharp Edges vs Smooth Edges WATCH NEXT: ▶ How Buoyancy Works – https://you
Tags: adhesion and cohesion, adhesion vs cohesion, coanda effect, cohesion and adhesion of water, everyday physics, fluid dynamics, how to pour without spilling, intermolecular forces, meniscus, physics explained in simple words, physics of pouring, pouring liquid physics, properties of water, science ABC, surface tension, surface tension explained, teapot effect, why does tea dribble, why drinks run down the side of the cup, why liquid runs down the side of a glass
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