Scientists discovered the best way to drop an egg without breaking it
An eggs-periment
A group of scientists set out to discover the strongest area of an egg, and the results surprised and challenged previous assumptions.
Launching eggs
The team launched unprotected eggs from progressive, low heights in different positions to discover when they cracked less.
Applying pressure
They also applied pressure to the eggs from different angles. According to AP News, the scientists experimented with over 200 eggs to find the results.
A surprising discovery
They made a surprising discovery: eggs crack less when dropped on the side and not vertically. The top and bottom were assumed to be their strongest areas.
A stronger equator
The news agency said the researchers discovered that the egg’s equator was more flexible and absorbed more of the blow when it was dropped.
Challenging assumptions
The result challenged the common notion that the polar sides of the shape are the strongest. It was “counterintuitive,” an MIT researcher and co-author told the AP.
Packaging
The news agency said eggs are packed vertically based on that assumption. The research shows that the most effective way to avoid cracks is the other.
Science experiments
It also has another implication: it could change how most children approach the common science experiment of dropping an egg from high altitudes.
Applications
The results, however, should not affect how you crack eggs for your morning breakfast. Breaking the side is still the most effective way of guaranteeing an unbroken yolk.
