How to tell a Boiled Egg from a Raw Egg? (4 ways)
In this brief guide, we will discuss how to tell a boiled egg from a raw egg. We can use tricks and techniques quite conveniently to tell a boiled egg from a raw egg.
How to tell a Boiled Egg from a Raw Egg?
You can tell a boiled egg from a raw egg by following any of the techniques listed below. It is easy to tell boiled eggs from raw eggs even though there is no apparent difference between them. However, the inside of a raw egg is different from that of a boiled egg. This difference inside can help us determine its state.
A difference in their constituents can help tell a raw egg from a boiled egg by observing its mechanics, as liquids tend to behave differently from solids. A scientific phenomenon called inertia helps us to tell a raw egg from a boiled egg without cracking it open.
A raw egg changes structure when it is heated. An egg has a liquid egg yolk and white made up of protein. On the application of heat, the proteins inside a raw egg change their structure from liquid to solid. The eggshell is composed of calcium carbonate. Being impermeable, which means apart from gases and small particles, the shell does not let most matters pass through.
When heated, the weight of an egg stays the same. However, a change in structure inside an egg can help tell a boiled egg and a raw egg apart.
Some of the techniques you could use are:
• Spinning an Egg
• Shaking the egg
• Putting it in Hot water
• Shining a flashlight
Spinning an Egg
If you spin your egg, the physical difference inside an egg helps tell if it is either raw or boiled. A raw egg is going to be harder for you to spin.
A matter of physics demonstrates that a raw egg would spin differently from a boiled one. The liquids inside a raw egg cause its movement to be relative to its particles inside. The fluids are free to move separately from one another.
A raw egg would wobble and spin rather slowly, in contradiction to a boiled egg. A boiled egg that is solid on the inside would be easier to balance. The particles inside are not free to hinder the egg’s movement.
When a raw egg spins, its constituents need to overcome the friction from the shell that causes its motion to be restrictive, hence makes it harder for it to spin freely.
On the contrary, a boiled egg stays relatively stable because its center of mass is unchanging. When the egg spins, its entire motion occurs in unison.
To mark your result, place a finger on the egg momentarily. The raw egg would not stop immediately because the unsteady fluids inside continue to shake. The shell may have stopped moving, but the fluids present inside retain their momentum. This resistance to change in motion is called inertia.
The boiled egg, on the contrary, would stop quickly owing to its smooth spinning motion. The insides of a boiled egg are stable and move in harmony with the eggshell.
We can conclude that the inertia of a raw egg is greater than that of a boiled egg.
Shaking the egg
If you hold the egg between your fingers and give it a shake, its movement could help you to tell a raw and boiled egg apart. A boiled egg should feel different from a raw egg. The liquid contents of a raw egg would move around, while a hard-boiled egg would feel solid.
Other FAQs about Eggs which you may be interested in.
How to store boiled eggs in refrigerator?
Do you need butter to make eggs?
Putting it in Hot water
Place your egg in near-boiling water and watch out for bubbles. If it is raw, you will find tiny streams of bubbles.
The reason is that the eggshell is partially permeable, which means it has tiny holes that let the gases inside pass through. By putting it in hot water, the gases expand and pass through the pores of the eggshell. This escape of gases causes air bubbles to form.
A boiled egg, on the other hand, does not have gases inside. The reason being, the gases were already forced out during the boiling process.
Shining a flashlight
Head towards a dark room with your egg and a bright flashlight. Use a small flashlight and hold it against the egg. Hold it up close to the egg to make a tight seal. Now, look at your egg closely.
If it is raw, it will light up like a lantern as the liquids inside let light through.
A boiled egg would stay dark and opaque. The solids inside do not let light pass through.
Conclusion
For future convenience, you could mark your boiled eggs using a marker or pencil. While your eggs boil, you could even dye them using food coloring or put in some onion peels. These methods can help you to distinguish and tell a raw egg from a boiled egg.
In this brief guide, we discussed how to tell a boiled egg from a raw egg. If your eggs get mixed up, you can use tricks and techniques quite conveniently to tell a boiled egg from a raw egg.
Citations
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/raw-or-cooked-that-is-the-question/
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-If-Eggs-Are-Raw-or-Hard-Boiled
https://www.cookinglight.com/cooking-101/the-perfect-boi
http://www.planet-science.com/categories/under-11s/our-world/2011/04/raw-or-hard-boiled.aspx
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-tell-if-its-a-hard-boiled-egg_n_572271dce4b0f309baf04c43
