Defying Gravity

Research Questions:

• What happens when you increase the free fall distance?
• How does "padding" an object work?

Materials:

• Carton of eggs
• Yard stick/Measuring Tape
• Various Supplies for creating a protective device.

Experimental Procedure:

1. Brainstorm on various ways to protect the egg from cracking.
   • What kinds of materials are used in safety devices for sports and automobiles? Think of the materials that we use to protect ourselves in various situations.
   • Photograph and document your design.
2. Two foot free fall: Using a yard stick or measuring tape measure a distance of 2 feet from the floor. This is the first height at which you will test your device. Calculate the acceleration at 2 ft.
3. The egg drop: Cover the floor with plastic for easy egg clean up. Using a yardstick hold your device, with egg, so that the bottom is 2 feet from the floor. Drop the egg by releasing your grip. Do not throw the egg down. 

• Did your device work?
  • No - you need to do some tweaking. Photograph and document the changes you made. Why did you make that change?
  • Yes - Move on to step 4.

4. Now drop the egg from 3 feet.
5. Continue testing up to 6 feet, increasing each drop by 1 foot.
6. What happens as you increase the free fall distance? Did you have to improve on your design?

Terms/Concepts: Free Fall; Gravity; Acceleration; Velocity; Force; Shock Absorber; Damping

References:

• http://www.practicalphysics.org/go/Topic_3.html