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arXiv · 2603.25653

A Low-Cost Teapot Effect Experiment for Introductory Physics

Yu-Chen Guo·Jin-Ming Wang·Ying-Xin Li
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Abstract

The teapot effect refers to the tendency of a poured liquid to cling to the lip of a container and run down the outside. It is a familiar but physically rich example of flow separation. We present a low-cost experiment for introductory physics laboratories that uses 3D-printed cups, a simple flow regulator, and basic surface treatments to explore this phenomenon in a classroom setting. Students measure the run-off length along the outer wall as an accessible indicator of sticking versus separation and use it to compare the effects of flow velocity and surface wettability. Rather than attempting a full quantitative test of research-level models, the activity is designed to illustrate the inertial-capillary picture of the teapot effect in a form that is experimentally straightforward and pedagogically effective. The experiment connects a familiar everyday observation to fluid inertia, wetting, and interfacial forces in a form that is well suited to introductory instruction.

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Yu-Chen Guo, Jin-Ming Wang, Ying-Xin Li. 2026-03-26. A Low-Cost Teapot Effect Experiment for Introductory Physics. https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.25653

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