Physicists Crack the Code for the Perfect Pancake Flip Using Torque and Newton's Laws

Shrove Tuesday is here, and physicists have cracked the code for the perfect pancake flip – a revelation that could save your breakfast from disaster. As the day of indulgence approaches, many are turning to the kitchen for a final feast, but one challenge remains: the pancake toss. Too often, the result is a crumpled mess or a pancake on the floor. Now, scientists from the Royal Institution of Great Britain have unveiled a formula to 'stick the landing' using principles of physics.

The secret lies in finding a pancake's 'pivot point' – the axis around which it rotates. In a video shared online, researchers demonstrate how Newton's laws of motion come into play during the flip. 'Linear force isn't enough,' says one researcher. 'We need torque, which happens when the pan pushes slightly off the pancake's centre of mass, giving it angular acceleration.'

The demonstration uses a thick, American-style pancake, highlighting how the physics applies differently to various textures. 'At rest, there are only two forces acting on the pancake – gravity and the normal force from the pan,' explains the scientist. When the pan is flicked upward, the pancake experiences an upward net force, illustrating Newton's second law in action. This upward acceleration propels it into the air, where it becomes a projectile under the influence of gravity alone.

Once airborne, the pancake's rotation depends on the timing and angle of the flip. 'The spinning remains almost constant once it leaves the pan,' the researcher adds. 'The timing must be precise for it to complete a half or full rotation and land flat.' The pan used in the video, with deep sides, suggests that design can aid the flip, though the scientists note the same principles apply to thinner crepes as well.

Not everyone is convinced. A commenter noted the pancake in the video was flipped 'too far,' landing on the same side it started on. The Royal Institution responded with a wry remark: 'Theory is 10/10, but practice… more like 5/10. At least it didn't end up on the floor.'

For those aiming to replicate the perfect flip, experts offer recipe tips. For UK-style thin pancakes, 200ml milk, 100g flour, one or two eggs, and a pinch of salt are recommended. American-style pancakes require 200ml milk, 200g flour, and two eggs. Professor Ian Eames from UCL advises whisking the batter with a fork and letting it rest for 10–15 minutes. He also suggests using vegetable oil instead of butter for a crisp, thin result.

With this scientific guide in hand, Shrove Tuesday cooks can now flip with confidence – and maybe even impress their guests with physics-backed pancake artistry.