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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

30 August 2023

Woman hand holding glass jar of honey

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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.

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