Physics Lab

EGG DROP CONTEST
Obj: To construct a container of original design, with minimum mass and length, so that a raw egg will not   break when dropped from a fixed height.  The shortest time of fall is desired.

Rules:
1. The container can be of any design, but may include NO packaging materials (bubble wrap, styrofoam, peanuts, etc)
2. The empty container may have a mass no greater than 600 grams.
3.  A raw large egg will be provided.
4. The container must free-fall (no parachutes).
5. The egg must survive intact (no cracks).
6. The length shall be taken as the longest linear dimension of the complete container.
 

Methods & Analysis
 1.  Each container will be massed when empty.  The length will be measured at the same time.
 2.  An egg will be massed and given to you.
 3.  You will then place the egg in the container and, if necessary, seal or close the container.
 4.  If your device uses a liquid or fluid then the egg will be massed, given to you to put into your  container. The egg plus container will then be massed.
 5.  If there are any special instructions for releasing the container they should be attached with a tag.
 6.  The container will then be taken to the height from which it will be dropped and dropped.
 7.  There will be only one release unless the instructor declares a problem with the release.
 8.  The container will remain where it lands until the instructor moves it and opens it.  NO ONE EXCEPT THE INSTRUCTOR OR HIS/HER DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE WILL  TOUCH THE CONTAINER AFTER IT LANDS.
 9.  The egg will be inspected for cracks. The decision of the instructor is final.

SCORING

 1.  Your score is calculated as follows:               10000 contest points          = SCORE
                                                                  total mass (kg) x length (m) x time of fall
 

LABORATORY REPORT
 1.  Standard laboratory report.
 2.  Include a sketch of your container.
 3.  Data section must include:  mass, maximum length, mass of egg, time of fall, acceleration due to the  gravity, height from which fell, score and whether or not your egg survived. Class Data Table
 4.  Answer all the following questions using the 5 step method:
 a.  What is the Gravitational Potential Energy of your egg + container?
 b.  What is the theoretical time it should take for your egg to reach the ground?
 c.  Using "vf = vo + gt" calculate the final speed of your egg + container.
 d.  What is the Momentum of your egg + container?
 e.  What is the Kinetic Energy of your egg + container?
 f.   What is your contest score?