logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2021
2m 10s

Why does spaghetti never break in half?

Choses à Savoir
About this episode
Have you noticed this before? Try this little experiment: Try to break a raw spaghetti noodle in half with your fingers by bending it until it breaks. If you give it a go, the noodle will most likely break, but not into two pieces. There's no need to feel sorry for yourself if you failed – your skills are not at fault. Raw spaghetti breaks into 3, 4, 5 or more pieces, but almost never in two. In fact, it is almost impossible to do so. This is the "mystery of the broken spaghetti". It may seem trivial, but it has interested many great scientists, including Richard Feynman, the famous American physicist of the 20th century. He was primarily known for reformulating quantum mechanics.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Apr 2021
What are the 10 most surprising objects launched into space?
Mankind doesn't just send rockets or space probes into space. In fact, many unexpected objects have been launched into space, all for the sake of science. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 
2m 17s
Apr 2021
Why are ancient Egyptian depictions of humans drawn in profile?
On the walls of the Egyptian pyramids, human depictions, and especially depictions of nobility, are often represented in profile. The reason they are designed this way is primarily religious. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the ancient Egyptian characters are not entirely ... Show More
2m 16s
Apr 2021
Why does spaghetti never break in half?
Have you noticed this before? Try this little experiment: Try to break a raw spaghetti noodle in half with your fingers by bending it until it breaks. If you give it a go, the noodle will most likely break, but not into two pieces. There's no need to feel sorry for yourself if yo ... Show More
2m 10s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2020
Pourquoi les spaghettis ne se cassent-ils jamais en deux ?
Peut-être avez déjà fait cette expérience: essayer de briser un spaghetti cru en deux avec les doigts en le courbant jusqu'à ce qu'il casse. Et vous avez très certainement échoué... Voir Acast.com/privacy pour les informations sur la vie privée et l'opt-out. Hébergé par Acast. Vi ... Show More
2m 18s
Mar 2024
Did You Know That If You Fell into a Black Hole You Would Stretch like Spaghetti
Meta Description: Ever wondered what would happen if you fell into a black hole? Get ready for the cosmic stretch – learn about the bizarre phenomenon of spaghettification. Find the full transcript of this episode and learn more about it on https://englishpluspodcast.com/black-ho ... Show More
2m 17s
May 2021
Spaghetti vs. Mafalde
It's the season 2 premiere of Food Court with Richard Blais and Dan Pashman (the Sporkful) is here to tell Evan Kleiman (KCRW's Good Food), and the rest of the world, that spaghetti is the worst pasta shape but mafalde, a pasta shape few have even heard of, is the best. Last year ... Show More
37m 45s
Feb 2022
Est ce que le spaghetti bolognaise vient vraiment de Bologne ?
Le spaghetti bolognaise est un incontournable des bistros et des foyers mais est il bolonais ? Voir Acast.com/privacy pour les informations sur la vie privée et l'opt-out. Hébergé par Acast. Visitez acast.com/privacy pour plus d'informations. 
2m 24s
Jan 2024
Which foods mustn't you put in the microwave?
The microwave first emerged in the 1950s and has since become a common fixture in kitchens worldwide. 2018 data from Statista showed that 93% of UK household now own a microwave, with that figure also being over 90% in the United States according to the US Bureau of Labor Statist ... Show More
4m 32s
Jan 2019
The Fascinating Reason Why More is Never Enough & What You Never Knew About Spices
Everyone seems to have a cellphone – ALL the time. But there are some circumstances when you really should put your phone away so others don’t see it. I begin this episode by discussing when that is and why it is important. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/9589232/ ... Show More
48m 11s
Jan 2022
How Can Cheese Slices Help Us Find The Speed Of Light?
Professional breakdancer and Physics teacher Mr Ceeraz invites Greg and Bella to an end-of-term cheese-but-no-wine party, as they attempt to find the speed of light using cheese slices and a microwave.Physics fanatic Mr Ceeraz promises that his lessons are never dull as he inject ... Show More
41m 13s
Jun 2021
Who Invented Noodles?
This week, we're revisiting one of our favorite older episodes from the past. We’re going to learn a little bit about the history of noodles--and how to make them! We’re joined by Jen Lin-Liu, author of the book On the Noodle Road: From Beijing to Rome with Pasta and Love. And we ... Show More
19m 50s