Is it the top, bottom, or the side? Also, if possible, what's the weakest side?
Weisslenny0
2007-02-07 17:48:38 · 11 answers · asked by Leonard Weiss 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The sides are definitely the weakest; the shell is the thinnest at that point.
Hold an egg between your thumb and forefingers. If you have one finger on top and one on bottom and you squeeze, the egg doesn't break (unless you're crazy strong). If you do the same thing but turn the egg sideways, it'll break easily. That's why when you break eggs for cooking, you tap the side on a hard surface.
I believe the top of the egg is the strongest, because it is the thickest part of the shell. The formation of an egg into a rounded point at the top means that more matter is concentrated in that area (vs. equal amount of matter but spread over more area at the bottom).
2007-02-07 17:53:27 · answer #1 · answered by Pookie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An egg is strongest under compression. If you squeeze it properly, your pressure will distribute along the shell, which will result in a small force per unit area. On the other hand, if you hit the shell, your force is aimed at that local area, thus breaking the shell. The principles involved are pretty much the same as the ones in archs. They are extremely strong and sturdy under compression.
The thickness of the shell, whether it's on the edge, side, top, or bottom, isn't really significant. If you use a needle and poke in various parts, you'll see it'll still break through since you are putting pressure at that particular point.
By the way, if you want a really strong egg, just cook it.
2007-02-08 01:54:14 · answer #2 · answered by nebulastar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That depends on what you're doing to the egg...
THe shell thickness of an egg is pretty uniform.. A point load on any part of it would cause the same damage. SO in this case, every point is equal.
If you're trying to find a maximum compressive resistance of an egg, then trying to crush it from point to bottom it's strongest because of the shape. The domed strusture allows for transmissibility of forces.
2007-02-08 01:57:06 · answer #3 · answered by Michael Dino C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the ends or the top and bottom of the longest points.
2007-02-08 01:58:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its the top and bottom. If you get the points to your palms while you squeeze force, it will NEVER break. But it has to handled right.
2007-02-08 01:53:34 · answer #5 · answered by Micheal 1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If held Perfectly Square, the Top and Base form a Very Strong surface to crack(Try holding one in your hand,and try and squeeze it)You should find that it cannot be broken!
2007-02-08 01:51:27 · answer #6 · answered by J. Charles 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think, the smallest point, tip, bottom. Weakness, might be the side. Why??
2007-02-08 01:53:25 · answer #7 · answered by K. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the top is the weakest..the side is the strongest
2007-02-08 01:50:13 · answer #8 · answered by Sxoxo 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
the skinny end of the egg is stronger...weakest would be the circumfrence.
2007-02-08 01:52:09 · answer #9 · answered by nd721 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the point of the smaller end... er not point, but the top lol
2007-02-08 01:53:16 · answer #10 · answered by azncr0wn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋