Does A Bad Egg Float Or Sink

When an egg goes bad, the air pocket inside the egg increases in size. This is because the bacteria that cause the egg to spoil produce gases as they break down the egg's contents. The increased air pocket causes the egg to float in water, rather than sink.

The float test is a simple way to check if an egg is bad. To perform the float test, gently place the egg in a glass of cold water. If the egg sinks to the bottom and lays flat on its side, it is fresh and good to eat. If the egg stands upright in the bottom of the glass, it is still good to eat, but it is not as fresh. If the egg floats, it is bad and should be discarded.

In addition to the float test, there are other ways to tell if an egg is bad. These include:

Cracking the egg open and checking for an off smell or discoloration.
Looking for cracks or dents in the eggshell.
Feeling the egg for any signs of sliminess or mold.

If you are unsure whether or not an egg is bad, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard it. Eating a bad egg can cause food poisoning, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Here are some additional details about the float test:

The float test is not 100% accurate. Some bad eggs may sink, and some fresh eggs may float.
The float test is more accurate for fresh eggs than for older eggs. As eggs age, the air pocket inside the egg naturally increases in size, which can make it more difficult to tell if the egg is bad.
The float test is not a substitute for other methods of checking for bad eggs, such as cracking the egg open and checking for an off smell or discoloration.

If you have any questions about whether or not an egg is bad, it is best to consult with a food safety expert.