The scientific principle of standing eggs on the vernal equinox Why can eggs stand upright on the vernal equinox

The Spring Equinox is one of the 24 solar terms. Among the customs of the Spring Equinox, there is a special custom, which is to stand eggs upright. So is there any scientific basis for standing eggs upright during the Spring Equinox? What is the scientific principle behind standing eggs upright during the Spring Equinox?

The scientific principle of standing eggs on the vernal equinox

Principle 1: On the day of the vernal equinox, the day and night are equal in the northern and southern hemispheres, the Earth's axis, which is tilted at 66.5 degrees, and the orbital plane of the Earth's revolution around the sun are in a state of relative force balance, and the Earth's magnetic field is also relatively balanced, so the egg is best able to stand. Of course, this is just one explanation, not the root cause. After all, the gravitational force of the sun on the egg is too small compared to the gravitational force of the earth on the egg.

Principle 2: There are many protrusions about 0.03 mm high on the eggshell. Three protrusions can form a triangular plane. If the center of gravity of the egg passes through this triangle, the "vertical egg" can be achieved. This is the most critical scientific basis for standing eggs upright.

However, no matter what the principle behind standing eggs on the Spring Equinox is, standing eggs on this day is a way to promote our country's traditional customs. Those who are interested can try it. The secret to standing an egg upright is mainly "steady hands, patience, and a pure heart."

Why can an oval egg stand upright?

In fact, although the eggshell is a curved surface, the part where it contacts the table is not a point. The curvature of the large end of the eggshell is relatively small. Thus, for a very small area, it is approximately a plane. This extremely small plane is sufficient as a support point to allow the egg to stand steadily. Someone once did a similar experiment. They placed an upright egg on carbon paper and then observed the contact surface between the egg and the carbon paper. It was found that the tips of at least three protruding points on the eggshell surface were stained with the color of the carbon paper. This is what scientists call the "tripod theory." Experts say that, in fact, an egg can stand upright on any day of the year. Citizens can try it at home: take a fresh egg, turn it upside down, and gently place it on the table. Carefully find the balance point and don't let go until it stops falling. Moreover, the eggs that stand upright can remain standing for more than ten days without any external interference.

The benefits of standing eggs on the spring equinox

Standing an egg upright during the Spring Equinox is a good way to practice your concentration. With the arrival of spring, everything becomes restless, and standing an egg upright at this time requires great concentration and calmness. This is also a little game that reminds you to keep a peaceful state of mind and not be arrogant or impatient. Therefore, with the arrival of spring, standing eggs upright is not only a continuation of traditional cultural customs, but also a way to practice attention, concentration, and a balanced mentality. In addition, "立蛋" not only means standing an egg upright, but also means "immediately" and "adding a child", which means that people pray for a prosperous family and a good inheritance from generation to generation.

How to stand an egg upright on the Spring Equinox

If you want to quickly stand an egg upright on the Spring Equinox, you must first pick an egg that has one end that is big and the other end that is small. When standing the egg, the big end should be facing downward. You can apply ink on the table. When standing the egg upright, try to keep your hands as steady as possible so that the yolk can slowly settle to the bottom of the egg. This way, the center of gravity is low enough to keep the egg balanced and upright.

Standing eggs have little to do with the Spring Equinox.

The view in the book "Knowledge of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms" is that standing eggs upright has little to do with the vernal equinox. Because the surface of the egg is uneven, with many protruding "hills". The "hill" is about 0.03 mm high, and the distance between the "peaks" is between 0.5-0.8 mm. According to the principle that three points determine a plane, as long as we find three "hills" and the triangle formed by these three "hills", and then let the center of gravity of the egg pass through this triangle, the egg can stand upright. Some experts believe that standing eggs upright has nothing to do with the Spring Equinox. Because the real factor that makes the egg stand upright is the earth's gravity, an egg can stand upright on any day of the year. The secret to standing an egg upright is mainly "steady hands, patience, and a pure heart."