First, we need to understand the basic process of coffee latte art. To draw a perfect cup of coffee latte art, you need to master two key elements: emulsion beauty and separation.
The beauty of emulsion refers to the smooth, rich foam of milk, while the separation refers to the layered state of milk and coffee. The combination of these two elements can create stunning coffee latte art. So, why does milk form foam? This involves the principles of surface tension and bubble formation in physics
The fat and protein in milk are key ingredients in forming foam. When milk is heated, the fat melts and the proteins denature. In this way, people who are familiar with the principles of foam will know that the formation of foam is inseparable from surface tension. Surface tension is the result of the interaction between liquid molecules and is a property that causes the surface of a liquid to tend to minimize energy. The fat and protein molecules in milk gather on the surface of the liquid, forming a thin film-like structure. In this thin membrane, air is trapped within it, forming tiny bubbles. When milk is heated, these bubbles expand and maintain a certain shape and stability.
Next, let’s look at the separability of milk. When milk is mixed with coffee, the milk and coffee will separate due to differences in density and viscosity. During this process, various beautiful patterns can be formed in the cup through clever operations. In fact, there are physical principles behind this layering phenomenon. The separation between milk and coffee is caused by the difference in density. Milk is denser than coffee, so it will sink while the coffee will float on top. In order to form different patterns, the milk needs to be poured into the cup at different positions to achieve the desired effect.
In addition to the relationship between foam and separation, there is another important physics concept that needs to be mentioned, and that is the Reynolds number. The Reynolds number is a dimensionless number used to describe the flow of fluid at different speeds and densities. In coffee latte art, by changing the speed and angle of milk pouring, the separation of milk and coffee can be affected. When the speed is faster, the fluid is separated more completely, and when the speed is slower, fine lines with a more obvious pattern are formed.
Coffee latte art combines the formation of foam and the separation of milk and coffee through the application of physical principles. Through fine operation, various beautiful patterns can be formed on the surface of coffee, providing people with a visual enjoyment. By understanding the principles, we can better appreciate and understand the craft of coffee latte art, and try to create more amazing works when operating with our own hands. Although this article only briefly explains the principles of coffee latte art, we hope readers can understand this art from a physics perspective. Coffee latte art is a unique technique that combines scientific principles and artistic creativity, bringing us a beautiful enjoyment. Whether we make our own or taste other people’s work, we can have a deeper experience of the charm of coffee.
Post time: Dec-25-2023