Eggs That Sink Or Float

Have you ever wondered why some eggs sink in water while others float? The answer lies in the density of the egg, which is determined by its composition. Eggs that sink are denser than water, while eggs that float are less dense. The density of an egg is affected by several factors, including the thickness of the eggshell, the amount of yolk, and the amount of air inside the egg.

The eggshell is made up of calcium carbonate, which is a dense material. Eggs with thicker shells are denser than eggs with thinner shells. The yolk is also dense, so eggs with more yolk are denser than eggs with less yolk. Air is less dense than water, so eggs with more air inside are less dense than eggs with less air inside.

Fresh eggs typically sink in water because they have a low air content. As an egg ages, the air cell inside the egg increases in size due to evaporation of water through the eggshell. This causes the egg to become less dense and eventually float. Older eggs are more likely to float in water than fresh eggs.

The float test is a simple way to determine the freshness of an egg. To perform the float test, place the egg in a bowl of cold water. Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom of the bowl, while older eggs will float. Eggs that float on their side are less fresh than eggs that float upright.

There are some exceptions to the rule that fresh eggs sink and older eggs float. For example, eggs that have been boiled will float in water, regardless of their age. This is because the boiling process causes the air cell inside the egg to expand and the egg to become less dense.

So, why does it matter whether an egg sinks or floats? In general, fresh eggs are better for eating than older eggs. Fresh eggs have a firmer yolk and a thicker white, which makes them more desirable for cooking. Older eggs can still be eaten, but they may not be as flavorful or nutritious as fresh eggs.

If you are unsure whether an egg is fresh, you can perform the float test. If the egg sinks, it is fresh. If the egg floats, it is older and may not be as flavorful or nutritious as a fresh egg.