In a recent study conducted with over 200 eggs, researchers found that eggs are less likely to crack when they fall on their side. This discovery may not significantly impact the best way to crack an egg for breakfast, as breaking it around the middle remains the most effective method to access the yolk and whites. However, this information could be useful when hard-boiling eggs, as dropping them horizontally into a pot may reduce the risk of causing a crack that can lead to a messy outcome.
Traditionally, it has been believed that eggs are strongest at their ends due to how they are packaged in cartons. Yet, experiments revealed that when eggs were compressed in various directions, they cracked under the same amount of force. Dropping eggs horizontally rather than vertically resulted in fewer cracks, contrary to common assumptions.
Researchers also conducted simulations where eggs were dropped from different heights both horizontally and vertically. The findings showed that eggs were more resistant to cracking when dropped horizontally, as the egg’s equator was more flexible and absorbed more energy before breaking.
These surprising results challenge the conventional wisdom regarding egg strength and could potentially impact egg drop challenges in STEM projects. Further research is needed to determine if these findings can help protect eggs during such challenges, especially when dropped from greater heights.
The study, published in the journal Communications Physics, sheds light on the resilience of eggs and encourages a reevaluation of preconceived notions about their durability.
