91É«Ç鯬

Why does honey stop dripping when there is still some left? (part 2)

A reader argues that surface tension is more important than viscosity when it comes to the stopping of drips

Woman hand holding glass jar of honey

Why does runny honey stop dripping when there is still plenty left on the spoon? (continued)

Eric Kvaalen
Les Essarts-le-Roi, France

David Muir says that it is a question of viscosity. Viscosity slows the flow of honey, but can’t stop it. On the other hand, surface tension can. Even a drop of water can stay suspended indefinitely without falling because the surface tension holds it. In order to fall, the surface would have to get larger, at least temporarily, and the surface tension is strong enough to prevent this.

To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and email address.

91É«Ç鯬 retains total editorial control over the published content and reserves all rights to reuse question and answer material that has been submitted by readers in any medium or in any format.

Terms and conditions apply.

Topics: Last Word

More from New Scientist

Explore the latest news, articles and features