Why Does an Egg Break Differently on Grass Versus Sidewalk?

AI Thread Summary
An egg dropped on grass typically does not break due to a greater time interval for stopping compared to when it hits a sidewalk. The discussion revolves around the physics of momentum and collisions, suggesting that the change in momentum is less on grass. The participant initially considers option "E," indicating a lesser change in velocity, but ultimately questions if this is correct. Newton's second law is referenced to analyze the forces involved, emphasizing the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. The conclusion points to the importance of the stopping time in determining whether the egg breaks.
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Homework Statement


A moderate force will break an egg. However, an egg dropped on the road or sidewalk usually breaks, while one dropped on the grass usually does not break. This difference is because for the egg dropped on the grass:

A. the change in momentum is greater
B. the change in momentum is less
C. the time interval for stopping is greater
D. the time interval for stopping is less
E. the change in velocity is less



Homework Equations



vf=(m1v1+m2v2)/(m1+m2)

The Attempt at a Solution


My thoughts are that the answer is "E" because the change in velocity is less because when the egg comes in contact with the grass, a perfectly inelastic collision occurs where if the egg hits the sidewalk, it is only an inelastic equation.
Are my thoughts right, or is it a different answer?
 
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What does Newton's 2nd law say?
 
The acceleration a of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. That doesn't help me too much... Maybe I'm not putting two and two together. Is the answer "E" then?
 
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