Why an Egg Stands Up: Exploring Energy Changes

[eddie]

Why does a spinning egg stand up ,what are the energy changes and why do they occur

 

[phinds]

What do you think?

 

[Vanadium 50]

It's clear it takes less energy to just ask us than to think about it himself.

 

[eddie]

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.

 

[phinds]

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.

 

[eddie]

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.

 

[Vanadium 50]

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.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Eddie, let's try again - What. Do. You. Think?

 

[phinds]

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?

 

[eddie]

Yes, but I still don't have an answer to my egg question.

 

[eddie]

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.

 

[Chavers]

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.

 

[berkeman]

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