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Grades K–2 · Everyday Life

How does a rolling pin make dough thinner?

Dough is soft enough to change shape when pushed. A rolling pin presses downward while its rounded body moves across the dough. The work comes from the person moving it.

F018 visual explanationPressing spreads soft dough outward; thicker patch; wider, thinner patchPressing spreads soft dough outwardthicker patchwider, thinner patch

In the diagramPressing spreads soft dough outwardthicker patchwider, thinner patch

A rounded pin presses a thick dough patch into a wider, thinner one. The pictures represent the same amount, with no measured dimensions.

The dough cannot stay just as tall under the pressure. Some of it moves outward to the sides. A thick, small patch can therefore become a thinner, wider patch.

The rolling pin has not removed the dough to make it thinner. It has spread the same material over more space. Different doughs behave differently, and some can spring back after the pressure is removed.

About this explanation

Starting knowledge: Recognize soft dough and a cylinder that can roll on a surface.

Sources

  • OXO — Non-Stick Rolling Pin
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