Chronicle of a deaf audiologist

Cold and hot water sound different–why?

While they may look identical, hot and cold water make different sounds when poured.

Temperature affects water’s thickness. At lower temperatures, water molecules create temporary bonds that thicken the liquid, producing a lower-frequency sound when poured.

Conversely, heated water molecules are more energetic, making it harder for molecules to join together. Fewer bonds result in thinner water, which produces a noticeably higher-pitched sound when transferred into a cup.

Researchers say bubbling also plays a role in water acoustics — hot liquids have more bubbles than cool liquids, which contribute to the higher pitch that we hear while pouring out a cup of coffee or tea.

Can you hear the difference?

Source: https://interestingfacts.com

Category:
  • Photo credit:  © Alan Fortune

    Sandra Vandenhoff

    Dr. Sandra Vandenhoff is an audiologist with hearing loss, founder of HEARa, Hearing Rehabilitation teacher, and Canadian author, who does not remember saying on her first day of wearing hearing aids: "Mom, I can hear my shoelaces!"

Click to access the login or register cheese
Scroll to Top