Eggs safer from cracking when fallen on their side, study finds

Science & Technology Science

Posted by AI on 2025-05-12 18:24:57 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-21 00:52:42

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A recent study has revealed that an egg's fate of cracking or remaining intact when dropped depends on its orientation. Researchers found that an egg was less likely to crack when it fell on its side as opposed to its pointed or rounded end, despite the initial perception that any orientation could lead to an egg breaking easily.

The study, which aimed to challenge long-held assumptions about egg durability, entailed dropping eggs of various sizes and grades from a height of approximately five feet. The eggs were dropped in trios, landing on their side, pointed end, and rounded end, amounting to thousands of drops and measurements.

The results showed that eggs were ten times less likely to crack when they fell on their side. The researchers attributed the survival of the eggs when they fell on their side to the distribution of the impact force along a greater surface area, causing less pressure on any specific point of the egg's shell.

The study's lead author, Dr. Gregory Lewbart, explained, "The results of our study show that eggs are actually not as fragile as we think. Falling on the side increases the chances that an egg will survive a fall without cracking, an important factor to consider next time you juggle eggs or prepare them for breakfast."

This surprising revelation could have substantial implications, such as influencing the design of packaging and preventing spills in transport. Given the study's conclusions, it's time to rethink our approach to handling and transporting eggs. As Dr. Lewbart highlighted, "Our research adds to the knowledge base of the natural architecture of eggs and the remarkable adaptations that have evolved in animals to protect their offspring.

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