Put two cups to the test. Change one thing, follow the curves, and find out what keeps a drink warm.
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TWO SETUPS. ONE QUESTION.EDUCATIONAL MODEL
Scroll the graph sideways to explore the full curve ↔
Controls update the complete curves instantly. Play moves the inspection line; it does not change the physics.
FOLLOW YOUR CURIOSITY
Try a little experiment.
Predict. Change. Compare.
Choose an experiment, predict the result, then explore.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE PLAY
Where does the heat go?
Energy leaves through the cup wall and surface, by radiation and by evaporation. A lid reduces heat loss from the exposed drink. Insulation slows transfer through the wall.
Why does cooling slow down?
As the drink approaches room temperature, the temperature difference shrinks and less energy leaves each second. The cup itself also stores heat.
Try it for real
Use two matching mugs, equal amounts of warm water and a thermometer. Measure every two minutes. Compare open and covered cups. Use comfortably warm water and handle spills carefully.
A model, with boundaries.
A well-mixed drink and cup share one temperature. Fixed geometry and assumed material values; no changing water mass, humidity, stirring, cup warm-up or detailed vacuum-flask construction. Evaporation is an illustrative heat-loss proxy that stops at ambient. These curves are comparisons, not calibrated predictions for a particular mug.