Egg Drop Project, Physics?

Question

So I'm doing an egg drop project for physics, which has many restrictions. First off, it will be dropped downward 8.4m, and there will be a target directly below (the closer you are to the target, the more points, and vice versa). The project must be 250 grams total (egg + whatever used). Also, the teacher stated that the egg is already 60-70 grams, so there is not much to work with. Biodegradable materials are the only materials allowed (no plastic, metal, Styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap, sponges, other synthetic materials, popcorn). Rubber balloons would also be okay, along with parachutes. So the question is, how should I build it in the way that it drops as close to the target as possible, while still maintaining the maximum weight of 250g? What materials should I use and how should I build it? Thanks

So I'm doing an egg drop project for physics, which has many restrictions. First off, it will be dropped downward 8.4m, and there will be a target directly below (the closer you are to the target, the more points, and vice versa). The project must be 250 grams total (egg + whatever used). Also, the teacher stated that the egg is already 60-70 grams, so there is not much to work with. Biodegradable materials are the only materials allowed (no plastic, metal, Styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap, sponges, other synthetic materials, popcorn). Rubber balloons would also be okay, along with parachutes. So the question is, how should I build it in the way that it drops as close to the target as possible, while still maintaining the maximum weight of 250g? What materials should I use and how should I build it? Thanks

edit: also, the target is 50cm in diameter if that helps. thanks again

Yes, the egg is supposed to survive.

About the paper mache idea: I would be using multiple small balloons correct? Would I pack it in tight all the way to the top? How will the balloons stay in place with an opening towards the top? How would I make it so that the egg does not move? Also, would paper mache weigh under 250g? Thanks

Answer 1

You want to decelerate the egg as slowly as possible.

Get a cardboard tube slightly larger diameter than the egg, so the egg will act as a piston on the cylinder of the tube. (you may have to find another tube that the egg will fit in, and that could be the piston.) Cut some small holes in the tube at the far end so that it will let the air out as the piston moves toward the far end.

Put some rudder fins on the top end of the tube or attach a drough chute and then put some modelers clay in the bottom end of the tube, so that when you drop it it will remain pointed straight at the earth as you drop it.

When the "rocket" hits the ground, the piston declelerates as the air is forced out of the holes. The longer the rocket, the more gentle will be the paylod deceleration. The clay nosecone should be soft and sticky enough to form a foundation for the rocket to remain upright and standing after impact.

A few loosely packed wads of newspaper in the final inches will be the final padding for the egg.

Answer 2

Egg Project Physics

Answer 3

First question, do you not have to save the egg? I mean when I did this project in high school, our goal was to save the egg from breaking up upon impact with the ground.

So basically, if your goal is to hit it at the target, then you obviously want more weight at the bottom then the top AND you want the weight to be centered so that when you drop it, it will go straight down (and to your target). It should not be easily swayed by the air or something. If your goal is also to preotect the egg then obviously you want something that will crumble, crunch up, and absorb all of the momentum upon impact so that none of the energy is transferred to the egg and that will keep your egg safe.

As for the materials, biodegradable plastic does exist (I don't know if it will help you or not). I would use the parachute to slow it down and then something to pointy to concentrate the majority of the mass towards the center (like a nail would be perfect but you can't use that).

Answer 4

Use a balloon, cover it in paper mache, let it dry. When it dries, cut a whole at the top and remove the old balloon. Place rubber balloons in side it with the egg in the middle. That way, the paper mache will crumple on impact, but the balloons will cushion the impact.

Answer 5

Rubber balloons would seem to be a good choice. I'd then use up the remaining weight with something like a creme brulee, so that the overall structure keeps from bouncing.

Answer 6

I did the exact same thing. This project is crazy!!!
This is what we had. I used puffy cornflakes around
my egg. The cornflakes absorb the shock and protect
the egg. Also a large sheet of paper to increase the
surface area is an extremwely good idea. so pretty much
your egg held in something around cornflakes and then a
large sheet of paper stuck on the botton to increase the furace area.

Answer 7

A firm foam around the egg - with a softer foam outside of that - and still softer further outside - will give you the best result. Make sure the inner foam that is in contact with the egg is shaped well like the egg - not putting extra force on any one part of the egg.