The Hidden Physics of a Fountain Pen: Ink, Air, and the Art of Sealing
How can a fountain pen deliver a smooth stream of ink without leaking—and why does that same ink sometimes dry out even when the cap is on?
In this episode of The Gentle Inquiry, we uncover the fascinating physics hidden inside an everyday writing instrument. Discover how capillary action, surface tension, airflow, and microscopic surface design work together to guide ink through a pen’s delicate feed. We’ll explore clever cap-sealing technology that helps prevent evaporation and examine how similar principles keep fluids contained inside powerful hydraulic machines.
From the elegance of a…
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