Orange - Hitting it lying on a surface or hanging free

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the impact dynamics of an orange when subjected to force under two conditions: resting on a hard surface versus hanging freely. It is established that hitting an orange on a hard surface results in greater damage due to the energy absorption primarily affecting the fruit itself. Conversely, when the orange is hanging, some energy is converted into translational or rotational kinetic energy, resulting in less deformation. The angle of impact also plays a crucial role in determining the extent of damage.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as energy transfer and impact dynamics.
  • Familiarity with the properties of materials, specifically fruit deformation under stress.
  • Knowledge of how gravitational forces affect hanging objects.
  • Basic principles of motion, including translational and rotational kinetic energy.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of impact and deformation in soft materials.
  • Study energy transfer mechanisms in collisions involving elastic and inelastic materials.
  • Explore experiments related to the effects of angle and surface type on object impact.
  • Investigate the role of gravity in the behavior of hanging objects during impact.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, material scientists, and anyone interested in the mechanics of impact and deformation in everyday objects.

Stein
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Hi,

I was wondering under which circumstance does the Orange take the most damage?

If I hit it when it rests on a hard surface or if it is hanging from something free to move with the blow.
 
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Stein said:
Hi,

I was wondering under which circumstance does the Orange take the most damage?

If I hit it when it rests on a hard surface or if it is hanging from something free to move with the blow.
If you hit it while hanging (not too hard), presumably it will come loose and fly off. The damage will depend on how and where it lands.

If you hit it on a hard surface, much depends on the the angle. Assume it is resting on a horizontal surface, if you hit it vertically, you will crush it. If You hit it horizontally, the result will be similar to that for a hanging fruit.

Why are you asking this question?
 
On the surface it will take more damage, because if it is hanging, some of the energy you put into it will be transferred into translational or possibly (depending on how you hit it) rotational kinetic energy. If it is on the surface, most of the energy will have to be absorbed by the orange itself, deforming it.
 

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