Tag: Capillary action

On September 21, 1995, reports of Hindu idols seemingly drinking milk swept the globe, captivating millions and causing a global sensation. But what is the science behind idols drinking milk? The answer lies not in a divine miracle, but in the fascinating world of physics, specifically capillary action and surface tension.

A surprising fact is that while we drink water, our body's small intestine can absorb up to 90% of it, often within minutes. This rapid process is just one example of the fundamental question: what is water absorbed into? The answer spans from the biological processes in our bodies to the physical properties of the world around us.

According to researchers at Utah State University's Splash Lab, an Oreo can absorb 50% of its liquid capacity in just one second, definitively proving the answer to 'Do Oreos absorb milk?'. This rapid absorption is a fun example of food science at play, showcasing how the cookie's porous structure interacts with the milk to create that signature, softened texture that so many people enjoy.