Ten (More) Surprising Facts About Everyday Objects
In a bit of a slump the last couple weeks, but do like learning about these.
1. Plastic Soda Bottles’ Caps
The caps of plastic soda bottles are often stronger than the bottles themselves, as they must withstand the high pressure of carbonated beverages.
2. Ballpoint Pen Ink
The ink in ballpoint pens is designed to dry almost instantly on paper but remain liquid inside the pen, thanks to a careful balance of solvents and oils.
3. Blue Jeans Color
The indigo dye traditionally used in blue jeans doesn’t fully penetrate the fabric, which is why they fade over time, adding to their characteristic look.
4. Microwave Buttons’ Beeps
The number of beeps on some microwave keypads corresponds to the button's frequency of use, ensuring durability for the most-used functions.
5. Notebook Margins’ Origins
Margins were originally added to protect writing from being chewed by mice or rats, as they often nibbled on the edges of paper.
6. Utility Knife Notches
The diagonal lines on utility knife blades are designed to be snapped off when the tip dulls, providing a fresh, sharp edge.
7. Toilet Paper Perforations
Each square of toilet paper is perforated with a specific pattern that aligns perfectly when folded, ensuring smooth tearing.
8. Wine Corks
Cork stoppers expand once inside the bottle, creating a perfect seal due to the elasticity of cork oak bark.
9. Lightbulb Filaments
Filaments inside incandescent lightbulbs are coiled to increase their surface area and efficiency, allowing for a brighter glow.
10. Spaghetti Spoons’ Hole
The hole in the middle of many spaghetti spoons measures out a single serving of dry spaghetti, doubling as a portion guide.
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