The ever present problem of the egg-drop

[photojenny14]

So, as I'm sure you all have guessed, I am that helpless physics student completely incapable of figuring out how to make an apparatus to protect a raw egg. I would SO GREATLY appreciate any and all suggestions that anyone has to offer. Thank you so much :)

The rules:
1. The container must be built only with toothpicks and glue. "Glue" means a bonding agent such as Elmer's white glue, Super Glue, or hot glue. It does not mean tape.
2. All glue must be dry when submitted for qualification.
3. The total mass of the egg package should be a maximum of 40 grams, excluding the weight of the egg.
4. The structure should not rotate during fall. (It can though, so if you have some great idea and this is the only preventing factor, no worries)
* If you have any ideas of how to meet all the above AND make it fall fast, that would be greatly appreciated.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

 

[rootX]

my suggestions:
1) make sure u don't have sharp corners ...
2) if u going to use it only for one time , try to make it sure that it breaks without damaging the egg (I think it would be easier to make such structure)
3) make the base wider (like pyramid)

 

[Moetasim]

I understand the challenge of the egg-drop experiment and the excitement of trying to come up with a successful solution. The key to this problem is understanding the physics behind it and using creative thinking to design a structure that can protect the egg while also falling quickly.

Firstly, let's consider the forces acting on the egg during the fall. The main force is gravity, pulling the egg towards the ground. This force can be counteracted by using a parachute-like design with a large surface area, which will increase air resistance and slow down the fall. However, this may not meet the requirement of falling fast, so we need to find a balance between protection and speed.

One suggestion could be to use a triangular prism shape made of toothpicks and glue. This structure would distribute the force of impact evenly and provide stability during the fall. To add an extra layer of protection, you could also add a cushioning material inside the prism, such as cotton balls or bubble wrap.

Another idea could be to use a crumple zone design, similar to what is used in cars to protect passengers during a collision. This can be achieved by creating a structure with multiple layers of toothpicks and glue, with each layer designed to crumple upon impact and absorb the force.

To meet the requirement of not rotating during the fall, you could add fins or stabilizers to the structure, made of toothpicks and glue, to keep it in a stable position.

It's important to also consider the weight of the structure, as it should not exceed 40 grams. You can achieve this by using lightweight materials and keeping the design simple yet effective.

In conclusion, the key to a successful egg-drop apparatus is understanding the forces at play and using creative thinking to design a structure that can protect the egg while also falling quickly. I hope these suggestions help in your experimentation and wish you the best of luck with your project.