In this compelling episode of “Ok. Now You Know,” Joe Garner and his co-host B dive deep into the fascinating world of the thermos—an everyday marvel that adeptly keeps our beverages hot or cold for hours. The episode unravels the ingenious science behind this common household item, revealing how it masterfully defies the laws of thermodynamics. Through their engaging narrative, Joe and B recount the historical journey of the thermos, from its inception by Sir James Dewar to its present-day ubiquity.

The core of the episode delves into the thermos’s construction, focused on its two-flask system separated by a vacuum. This vacuum provides superior insulation by preventing heat transfer via conduction and convection. The reflective coating on the inner surfaces further tackles radiative heat transfer, ensuring liquids maintain their desired temperatures. Joe and B also discuss the commercial evolution of the thermos, tracing its transformation from a branded product to a generic term for all vacuum flasks. The episode underscores how this simple yet remarkable invention impacts daily life, from prolonging the warmth of morning coffee to aiding athletes with cold hydration.

Helpful Links:

• Learn more about the history of the thermos: Thermos’s Official Website
• Explore scientific principles: National Science Foundation
• Get your own thermos: Purchase a Thermos Product