What happens to particles in a cup of tea?

1. Tea leaves or tea bags: These contain various compounds such as caffeine, tannins, and flavonoids. When the tea bag or leaves are steeped in hot water, these compounds diffuse out and dissolve in the water.

2. Water molecules: Water is the main component of tea and makes up the majority of the liquid in a cup of tea. Water molecules are constantly in motion and interact with the dissolved particles in the tea.

3. Dissolved oxygen: Air contains oxygen, which dissolves in water. Dissolved oxygen can react with some of the compounds in tea, affecting the flavor and aroma.

4. Minerals: Tea leaves contain minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and fluoride, which dissolve in hot water and contribute to the overall flavor of the tea.

5. Suspended particles: Some tea leaves or tea dust may not completely dissolve in water and may remain suspended in the liquid. These suspended particles can contribute to the appearance and texture of the tea.

As you drink tea, the particles interact with your taste buds and olfactory senses, creating the flavor and aroma that you experience. The temperature of the tea, the steeping time, and the type of tea used all affect the specific composition and concentration of particles in a cup of tea.