Hatrack River Forum: This is What Science is For

This is topic This is What Science is For in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :

Bubbles that sink

quote:
People celebrating St. Patrick’s Day Wednesday can cross one topic of conversation off their lists.

Guinness bubbles really do sink.

Scientists said Monday they had finally proved that the dark stout’s creamy bubbles defy expectations and flow down instead of upwards.

“Our group carried out preliminary experiments at a local pub a few years ago, but the results proved inconclusive,” said Dr. Andrew Alexander, from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Chemistry.

They first thought the dark liquid flowing down as a pint was poured gave the illusion the bubbles were going down as well.

Now close examination has revealed that, as a pint settles, bubbles touching the walls of the glass experience drag, similar to that a person feels sliding a finger along glass, and that prevents them floating up.

The bubbles in the middle however, are free to rise, creating a circular flow within the glass that causes bubbles at the edge to be pushed downwards on the inside surface of the glass.

The Edinburgh team, working with researchers at Stanford University in California have produced high-speed video footage of the sinking bubbles — to put at rest the minds of any drinkers who might have felt they were seeing things.

[ March 17, 2004, 04:31 PM: Message edited by: zgator ]

Posted by Nato (Member # 1448) on :

This probably calls for a lot more amateur testing, if you know what I mean.

Posted by Slash the Berzerker (Member # 556) on :

Beer.

Is there anything it can't do?

Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :

So, basically, if you had a hot tub full of Guinness and a bunch of flatulent people, you'd never know when someone ripped one!

[Big Grin]

Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :

One thing beer can't do is meet my digestive system; I gave it up for Lent!

-Bok

Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :

Bob, because of your long history of witty and amusing posts, I'm going to forget you just made that blasphemous one above.

Slash, I know you're the type of guy that's going out tonight for some green beers.

Posted by Telperion the Silver (Member # 6074) on :

If it's not a cold one, it's hardly a one at all.

*sings*
Do! A beer, I need a beer.
Ra! A guy who brings me beer.
Me! Myself! I want a beer!
Fa! A long way for a beer!

So! I think I'll have a beer!
La! La la la la la beer!
Te! No thanks, I'll have a beer!

That will bring us back to DOH! BEER! DOH! BEER!DOH!

[Razz]

Posted by Slash the Berzerker (Member # 556) on :

I gave up silly religious stuff for lent.

So, I'll have a beer, please.

Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :

<passes Slash a green Coors Light>

Posted by Stan the man (Member # 6249) on :

Anyone who has listened to the Yoopers knows this one.

"The only beer for me is the beer I drink for free."

Posted by T. Analog Kid (Member # 381) on :

zgator, *that* is a good way to get hurt...

Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :

Coors Light.puh-leaze.

I think I wil have to do some testing of my own when I get home from work tonight. Good thing I've got some Guinness on hand.

Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :

This is what I like - science experiments that can be repeated in the home.

Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :

This thread needs a woman's touch.

*puts up pink, frilly curtains*

Posted by Telperion the Silver (Member # 6074) on :

Yeeek! Death to grandma curtains!