pete@hao.UUCP (Pete Reppert) (11/15/85)
Sorry for cluttering up net.physics, but I can't resist a few comments on recent discussions. No one approached the egg question as a physics problem. Looking at the physics could suggest an approach. For instance, if you weigh the box + egg + brick and know how far it has to fall, then you can get the spring constant of whatever resilient substance must sur- round the egg. The problem then is measuring constants of various accessible materials, which is probably more difficult than chucking your shoebox out the window until the egg doesn't break. Still, such consider- ations as tensile strenght of the eggshell, strenght of the box (box as spring?) and aerodynamics of the box *could* provide clues and save time wasted pulverizing bricks (get serious!) or watching how far incompressible water can hurl an egg (the egg would sink and get the brunt of the shock wouldn't it?) upon explosive impact. I think it is legitimate problem solving technique to consult the "record" for past attempts. I'd go with the parachute idea if it's not against the rules. Re monkey business : I'll provide the weightless rope if you buy the space shuttle ticket for the monkey....oh, forget it, you said MASS- less... besides, then the monkey and counterweight don't weigh anything .. hmm... And by the way didn't someone ask how the monkey exerts more force - potential energy stored in his limbs! Quick call that Newman felow !!!! The net may not be as good as The Physics Problem Solver, but it's more interesting! -- Pete Reppert HAO/NCAR PO BOX 3000 Boulder, Colorado 80307