Why Does a Hard Boiled Egg Spin and Raw Egg Won't?

In summary, a hard boiled egg will spin on a flat surface because the torque is easily transferred to the solid contents inside the shell. On the other hand, a raw egg will not spin due to the slow transfer of torque to the liquid inside, resulting in less angular momentum. This is also why a cooked egg will continue spinning after being suddenly stopped, while an uncooked egg's yolk will keep moving inside before resuming spinning.
  • #1
Tricks67
15
0
why would a hard boiled egg spin and raw egg won't if made to spin on a flat surface?
 
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  • #2
When you spin the shell of a raw egg, the torque is not transmitted to the liquid inside.
You can see this by rotating a glass of water with tea leaves. The leaves take a long time to spin if you spin the flass.
 
  • #3
the torque is not transferred to the liquid..ok, then the reason it does not rotate is due to the imbalance of torque outside and inside?
 
  • #4
For a raw egg the torque is transmitted slowly to the liquid inside. And since you usually spin an egg just once around, there is not much angular momentum that can be imparted to the egg so quickly. If you do keep on rotating it, after a few turns the yolk will pick up speed and the egg will go ahead and spin like a cooked egg.

Conversely, a standard method of determining whether an egg is cooked or not is to get it spinning and then suddenly bring it to a halt. Then release it. For an uncooked egg the yolk will not immediately stop, it will keep on going inside even after the shell is stopped. Then when you release the egg the spinning motion will resume.
 
  • #5
thanks alot!
 

Related to Why Does a Hard Boiled Egg Spin and Raw Egg Won't?

1. Why does a hard boiled egg spin differently than a raw egg?

A hard boiled egg spins differently than a raw egg because of the differences in their physical properties. When an egg is boiled, the proteins in the egg whites and yolks denature and become firmer, causing the egg to become solid. This solid structure allows the hard boiled egg to spin smoothly and evenly. On the other hand, a raw egg has a liquid yolk and runny egg whites, making it more difficult for the egg to spin evenly.

2. Is the spinning motion affected by the weight of the egg?

The weight of the egg does play a role in its spinning motion. A hard boiled egg is typically heavier than a raw egg due to the loss of water during the boiling process. This added weight allows the hard boiled egg to spin more smoothly and steadily compared to a raw egg.

3. Can the shape of the egg affect its spinning motion?

Yes, the shape of the egg can affect its spinning motion. A hard boiled egg has a more uniform and solid shape, making it easier for it to spin evenly. A raw egg, on the other hand, has a more irregular and uneven shape due to the liquid contents inside, making it more difficult for it to spin smoothly.

4. Why does a hard boiled egg continue to spin when placed on its side?

A hard boiled egg will continue to spin when placed on its side because of its stable and solid structure. When the egg is placed on its side, the weight is evenly distributed, allowing the egg to spin without any interruptions or wobbling. The boiled egg also has a lower center of mass, making it more stable compared to a raw egg.

5. Does the spinning motion of a raw egg change if it is heated or cooled?

Yes, the spinning motion of a raw egg can change if it is heated or cooled. When a raw egg is heated, the proteins in the egg whites and yolks start to coagulate and become firmer, making the egg spin more smoothly and evenly. On the other hand, when a raw egg is cooled, the proteins start to denature and become more liquid, making the egg harder to spin smoothly.

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