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This week’s new questions

Why do biscuits go soft when left out, but cakes go hard? And why does liquid stay still when you spin it?

ginger biscuits

Hard baked

Why do crisp ginger biscuits go soft if left exposed to the air for a couple of days when other baked products, such as cakes and bread, go hard?

Edward Sexton, Leeds, UK

Still waters

When a container of liquid is rotated on its base in an upright position, the liquid inside doesn’t turn with it and remains static. Why is this?

Stefan Badham, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK

To answer these questions – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

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Topics: Last Word

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