Why Styrofoam Keeps Beverages Cold

Styrofoam or polystyrene keeps beverages cold because it is a good insulator, according to EarthResource.org. It helps maintain the temperature of the substance it holds, hot or cold. Insulators do not allow heat to pass through them. Does this Spark an idea?

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Properties
- Styrofoam is a plastic derived from petroleum. It is lightweight, easily transportable, and consists of about 95 percent air. The insulating properties of Styrofoam make it useful not only for cups, but food containers and housing insulation as well. It is also used for packing material.
Blocks Heat Transfer
- According to MadSci.org, Styrofoam is a good insulating material because it has electrons that cannot move about freely to transfer heat energy. This means heat cannot pass through the cup to the cold liquid inside.
Other Styrofoam Products
- The manufacture of Styrofoam involves exposure to the toxic compound styrene and produces hazardous waste. Styrofoam also litters the environment, and because it's a plastic, does not easily degrade.

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