Egg Drop Laboratory Report

Introduction

Understanding how mass and drop time influence impact force is fundamental in numerous engineering and physics domains, ranging from structural engineering to automotive safety systems. By delving into the intricate dynamics of mass and drop time in impacting objects, researchers gain valuable insights that inform the design and optimization of various structures and devices. In this experiment, the overarching objective is to comprehensively explore the multifaceted effects of mass and drop time on the force impulse experienced by an egg upon impact.

Beyond merely quantifying these effects, the study endeavors to uncover nuanced relationships and mechanisms underlying the dynamics of impact forces, shedding light on the intricate interplay between mass, velocity, and structural integrity. Moreover, the investigation extends beyond empirical observations to discern the role of different materials and designs in bolstering the resilience and survivability of eggs subjected to high-velocity impacts. Through meticulous experimentation and analysis, the study aims to not only enhance our understanding of impact dynamics but also to advance the development of innovative protective mechanisms and materials with applications in diverse fields, from aerospace engineering to consumer product design.

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Hypothesis

If the mass of an object is increased and the time it takes for the object to fall is decreased, then the egg will not crack upon impact. This hypothesis is grounded in fundamental principles of physics, particularly Newton's second law of motion and the concept of impulse. According to Newton's second law, force (F) is equal to the product of mass (m) and acceleration (a), expressed as F = ma.

When an object falls, it experiences acceleration due to gravity, resulting in a force acting upon it. The greater the mass of the object, the greater the force required to accelerate it, as per the equation F = ma.

Furthermore, the duration of force application, known as impulse (J), is crucial in determining the impact force experienced by an object. Impulse is defined as the change in momentum (p) of an object and can be calculated using the formula J = Δp = FΔt, where Δp represents the change in momentum and Δt denotes the change in time over which the force acts. By decreasing the time interval over which the force is applied (Δt), the impulse experienced by the object is reduced, thereby lowering the impact force.

In the context of the egg drop experiment, increasing the mass of the protective capsule and reducing the time it takes for the capsule to fall are hypothesized to mitigate the impact force exerted on the egg upon landing. A higher mass for the capsule results in a greater force required to accelerate it during the fall, distributing the force over a larger area and reducing the pressure exerted on the egg upon impact. Simultaneously, a shorter drop time minimizes the duration of force application, decreasing the impulse experienced by the egg and, consequently, the likelihood of egg breakage.

This hypothesis embodies a holistic understanding of the interplay between mass, acceleration, time, and force in impacting objects, drawing upon foundational principles of physics. By testing this hypothesis through empirical experimentation and analysis, researchers aim to validate its validity and gain deeper insights into the factors influencing the survivability of objects subjected to high-velocity impacts. Moreover, the findings from this investigation have implications for the design and optimization of protective mechanisms and materials in various real-world applications, ranging from automotive safety systems to sports equipment and beyond.

Materials

• Stopwatch/Phone
• Ruler
• Large Egg
• Triple Balance Beam
• Capsule Materials
  • Priority Mail Box (8.5 inches x 11 inches x 6 inches)
  • Bubble wrap
  • Duct tape
  • Packaging Peanuts
  • Toilet paper roll
  • Newspaper
  • Planner

Procedure

Prototype

1. Tape the bottom of the box closed.
2. Tape one 8.5 x 11 inch rectangle of bubble wrap to the bottom of the box.
3. Place another layer of bubble wrap above the bottom layer, with 3 inches in between, resembling a trampoline.
4. Remove cardboard lining in the toilet paper roll and wrap it with newspaper, leaving the center open.
5. Insert the egg into the toilet paper roll and fill any empty space with newspaper.
6. Place the roll containing the egg on the second layer of bubble wrap within the box.
7. Close the top of the box and tape it securely.

Modified Capsule

1. Tape the bottom of the box closed.
2. Create a cushion using bubble wrap filled with packaging peanuts.
3. Attach the cushion to the bottom of the box.
4. Tape one 8.5 x 11 inch rectangle of bubble wrap to the bottom of the box.
5. Place a weight (e.g., planner) on top of this layer.
6. Follow steps 4-7 from the Prototype procedure.
7. Get bubble wrap long enough to cover the bottom of the box and fill it with packaging peanuts.
8. Tape the bubble wrap containing packaging peanuts to the bottom of the box.
9. Complete the capsule assembly as described in steps 14-16 of the Prototype procedure.

Data

The data collected from the experiment provides valuable insights into the dynamics of the egg drop and its impact force. Firstly, the masses of the capsule, egg, and their combined weight are recorded to understand the system's total mass. This includes the mass of the protective capsule, the egg itself, and their combined mass. These measurements are essential for calculating various parameters such as momentum and force.

Next, the heights from which the capsule is dropped are documented along with the corresponding drop times. Observations regarding whether the egg broke upon impact are also noted, providing qualitative insights into the effectiveness of the protective capsule design.

Moving on to data analysis, calculations involving velocity, momentum, impulse, and force are performed to further understand the physical phenomena at play during the egg drop experiment. Velocity calculations involve determining the initial and final velocities of the capsule at different heights using principles of kinematics. This helps in understanding the speed at which the capsule falls and impacts the ground.

Momentum calculations quantify the momentum of the capsule at different heights, considering both initial and final velocities. The change in momentum provides insights into how the capsule's motion changes as it falls from varying heights.

Impulse calculations involve analyzing the force applied to the capsule over a specific time interval, contributing to understanding the impact force experienced by the egg upon landing. These calculations are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of the protective capsule in reducing impact forces and preventing egg breakage.

Finally, force calculations based on impulse principles provide an estimate of the expected force exerted on the egg at different drop heights. By comparing these calculated forces with the observed outcomes (whether the egg broke or not), researchers can validate hypotheses and assess the efficacy of the protective capsule design.

Discussion

The experimental findings substantiate the initial conjecture positing that augmenting mass while diminishing drop time augments the egg's likelihood of survival upon impact. Despite minor discrepancies in the experimental arrangement, such as inadequate tape securing or potential wind interference, the egg remained unharmed even when subjected to a considerable drop height of 10 meters.

The efficacy of the capsule design in safeguarding the egg underscores the pivotal role of engineering interventions in ameliorating impact forces. The alterations implemented, such as introducing a stabilizing weight to the capsule and integrating cushioning materials, markedly bolstered the egg's resilience.

Moreover, delving into the analysis of momentum and impulse yields invaluable insights into the underlying physics governing the egg drop experiment. Leveraging Newton's second law of motion, which correlates force with mass and acceleration (F = ma), facilitates elucidating the correlation between impulse and momentum, thereby underscoring the fundamental principles dictating impact dynamics.

Calculations:

1. Newton's Second Law of Motion: $F=ma$
2. Impulse Equation: $J=F\Delta t$
3. Momentum Equation: $p=mv$

These formulas elucidate the intricate relationship between force, mass, acceleration, momentum, and impulse, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the intricate dynamics at play during the egg drop experiment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the egg drop experiment serves as a compelling and tangible illustration of the profound impact that mass and drop time exert on the force of impact and the subsequent survivability of delicate objects. This experimental endeavor not only sheds light on the fundamental principles of physics but also underscores the practical implications for engineering solutions aimed at safeguarding fragile payloads.

Through meticulous design iterations and methodical analysis, the experiment unequivocally demonstrates that a well-engineered capsule can serve as a robust shield, capable of shielding an egg from the deleterious effects of impact forces. By strategically manipulating variables such as mass distribution, structural integrity, and drop dynamics, it becomes evident that the survivability of the egg can be significantly enhanced, even when subjected to formidable impact forces.

Beyond its immediate implications for the protection of fragile payloads, the insights gleaned from this experiment carry broader implications for diverse fields ranging from aerospace engineering to biomedical device development. By leveraging an understanding of the intricate interplay between mass, velocity, momentum, and force, engineers and scientists can devise innovative solutions to mitigate the risks associated with impact events, thereby advancing safety, reliability, and performance across various domains.

The success of the egg drop experiment underscores the iterative nature of engineering design, wherein each iteration serves as a learning opportunity to refine and optimize the efficacy of protective mechanisms. By embracing a mindset of continuous improvement and innovation, engineers can develop increasingly sophisticated and resilient solutions to address the multifaceted challenges posed by impact events.

Future Considerations

Future iterations of the experiment could explore alternative materials and designs to further optimize the capsule's performance. Additionally, investigating strategies to reduce momentum, such as utilizing lighter materials, could provide valuable insights into enhancing impact survivability.