Question

engineering design challenge: egg drop - ask
under which of the following conditions would a dropped egg be most likely to break?
remember: impulse = f * t
a 1 n force for 1 second.
a 10 n force for 1 second.
a 2 n force for 1 second.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the Impulse Formula

The formula for impulse is \( \text{Impulse} = F \times t \), where \( F \) is the force and \( t \) is the time. When the egg is dropped, the impulse is related to the change in momentum, but for the likelihood of breaking, we consider the force (since time is the same here). A larger force will cause more impact on the egg.

Step2: Compare the Forces

We have three options:

• Option A: \( F = 1\,\text{N} \), \( t = 1\,\text{s} \)
• Option B: \( F = 10\,\text{N} \), \( t = 1\,\text{s} \)
• Option C: \( F = 2\,\text{N} \), \( t = 1\,\text{s} \)

Since the time (\( t = 1\,\text{s} \)) is the same for all options, the force with the largest magnitude will result in the greatest impulse (and thus more impact on the egg, making it more likely to break). Among \( 1\,\text{N} \), \( 10\,\text{N} \), and \( 2\,\text{N} \), \( 10\,\text{N} \) is the largest.

Answer:

B. A 10 N force for 1 second.