Egg Drop Experiment Physics CLass

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the egg drop experiment being conducted in a physics class, focusing on the constraints of materials and methods allowed for constructing a protective container for the egg. Participants seek advice and share experiences related to the design and execution of the experiment.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines the specific constraints of the experiment, including material limitations and the drop height of approximately 10 meters.
  • Another participant inquires whether the wooden strips can be shredded, indicating a potential method for enhancing the design.
  • A later reply suggests that if shredding is allowed, it could be beneficial, but the original poster is uncertain and plans to confirm with their teacher.
  • A participant shares a personal experience from a similar project, recommending that the egg's orientation during the drop is crucial for preventing breakage, and describes a successful design using a paper towel tube and cushioning materials.
  • One participant advises searching previous threads on the forum for additional insights and strategies related to the egg drop experiment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on whether shredding the wooden strips is permissible, and the discussion remains open regarding the best design strategies for the egg drop experiment.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the materials and methods that may not be confirmed, such as the ability to shred the wooden strips. The effectiveness of various design approaches is based on personal experience and may vary.

pandazcanfly
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My physics class is doing the popular egg drop experiment. We may only use wooden strips no larger than a 1/4" by 1/4" in cross section (ex: toothpicks, popsicle sticks). We may not use bamboo as it is a grass not a wood. We can only use glue, cement, superglue, or hot glue to hold it together. We also must be able to load the egg into the container and remove it after a successful drop. The egg cannot be cooked, coated, or altered in any way. The drop will be from about 10 meters. Does anyone have any helpful information? Anything is appreciated. Thank you very much in advance!
 
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Are you able to shred the wooden strips?
 
That is a very good question that I do not yet know the answer to. I will ask my teacher tomorrow about it. But for time's sake, let us assume that the wood can indeed be shredded.
 
I helped my sister with this a few years ago. Since the egg is very strong on the "pointy sides" you just have to make sure that the point of impact is oriented in that direct. What we did was put an egg in a paper towel tube, put coushining on the other edges, and rocks on the bottom. It apparently fell like a rock, but hers was the only one that didn't break.
 
The egg drop experiment has been discussed here on PF a number of times, so you can probably get some good information by looking at some of the previous threads. Use the "Search" link at the top of the page (just below the "Physics Forums" logo), and choose the "Google custom search" option for best results.
 

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