Why Does a Spinning Egg Stand Up and What Energy Changes Are Involved?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter eddie
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Egg Energy
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of a spinning egg standing upright and the associated energy changes. Participants highlight that when an egg is spun rapidly, its center of gravity rises, resulting in a gain of potential energy. This stability is temporary; as the egg slows down, it loses this potential energy and falls back down. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanics behind rotational motion and the role of the egg's internal structure, particularly the fixed yolk and air pocket, in this behavior.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational motion dynamics
  • Basic principles of potential and kinetic energy
  • Knowledge of center of gravity concepts
  • Familiarity with the physical properties of eggs (e.g., structure and composition)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of rotational motion and stability
  • Explore the concept of center of gravity in various objects
  • Study energy transformations in spinning objects
  • Investigate the effects of internal structure on stability in physical systems
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the mechanics of motion and stability in physical objects.

eddie
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
Why does a spinning egg stand up ,what are the energy changes and why do they occur
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What do you think?
 
It's clear it takes less energy to just ask us than to think about it himself.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
It's clear it takes less energy to just ask us than to think about it himself.
Hi I'm not trying to save energy I'm just looking for an answer usually objects tend to become more stable by losing potential energy but in this case the egg gains potential energy.
 
eddie said:
Hi I'm not trying to save energy I'm just looking for an answer usually objects tend to become more stable by losing potential energy but in this case the egg gains potential energy.
It is not the purpose of this forum to just give answers in cases where some thought might bring out the answer yourself. I ask again, what do you think? And why? In what way does it gain potential energy? If it does, does that energy persist? Does the egg stay upright after it stops rotating.
 
phinds said:
It is not the purpose of this forum to just give answers in cases where some thought might bring out the answer yourself. I ask again, what do you think? And why? In what way does it gain potential energy? If it does, does that energy persist? Does the egg stay upright after it stops rotating.
I'm surprised that you think that "some thought " would provide an answer to my question .Nobody on the internet seems to be able to give a simple explanation ,.there's plenty of baffling ones though.If the egg is spun fast enough it stands up ie. it's centre of gravity rises ,as it slows down the egg falls down again.
 
eddie said:
Hi I'm not trying to save energy I'm just looking for an answer

Of course you're just looking for an answer. And phinds is trying to guide you to it, and you're insisting that instead it be delivered to you on a plate.
 
Eddie, let's try again - What. Do. You. Think?
 
I would also ask you, if you see a top laying on its side and then you spin it and get it to stay up, are you surprised?
 
  • #10
Yes, but I still don't have an answer to my egg question.
 
  • #11
Vanadium 50 said:
Eddie, let's try again - What. Do. You. Think?
I've no idea what you are asking me .I would like to know why the egg stands up.
 
  • #12
A clue to help you. The egg has to be boiled and once it is the yolk is fixed to the larger section of the egg and there an air pocket in the smaller end so it's center of gravity isn't where it appears.
If you were capable spinning a top fast enough that's laying on its side it will stand up pointed end up just like the egg.
 
  • #13
Thread closed temporarily for Moderation...
 

Similar threads

High School Why does egg float upwards in stirred bottle of water?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School Why Does a Hard Boiled Egg Spin and Raw Egg Won't?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Gyroscopic precession of a spin-stabilized bullet
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
High School The physics of flywheel launchers (like tennis ball shooters)
  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
6K
Undergrad Energy of spinning objects as axis of rotation moves
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
High School Lobbing eggs from a 15ish foot balcony without the eggs breaking while on grass?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
Undergrad I never fully understood gyroscopic precession - toppling gyroscopes
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
872
Undergrad Why does a boiled egg rotates while a raw egg doesn't?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad The Gyroscopic Effect: Precession, Nutation, & Boomerang Return
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Why does the main muscle use the most energy in body movements?
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
2K