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

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    Egg Energy
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of a spinning egg standing upright and the associated energy changes. Participants explore the mechanics behind this behavior, including concepts of stability, potential energy, and the role of the egg's structure in its motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why a spinning egg gains potential energy when typically stability is associated with a loss of potential energy.
  • Others suggest that the egg's center of gravity changes as it spins, which may explain its upright position.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of personal thought in arriving at an understanding rather than seeking direct answers.
  • A participant introduces the idea that the egg must be boiled for the yolk to be fixed, affecting its center of gravity.
  • There is a comparison made to a spinning top, suggesting similar principles apply to both objects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the mechanics of the spinning egg and the nature of its stability. There is no consensus on the explanation for the energy changes involved or the conditions under which the egg remains upright.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of the egg's structure on its motion, and there are unresolved questions regarding the persistence of energy changes after the egg stops spinning.

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

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