A team of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has discovered that eggs are less likely to crack when they fall on their sides, overturning the popular belief that eggs are strongest at their rounded ends. In an experiment involving over 200 eggs, scientists found that a horizontal fall significantly reduced the chances of cracking compared to vertical drops. Though the findings have little bearing on how one should crack eggs for breakfast—since breaking them at the middle remains most effective—they may offer practical advice for boiling eggs without accidental breakages.
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The researchers used compression tests to apply pressure to both the sides and ends of eggs, finding no significant difference in the force required to cause a crack. However, when dropping eggs from heights of up to 10 millimetres, those that landed horizontally were consistently less likely to break. Simulations supported the conclusion that the egg’s equator could absorb more of the impact energy, making it more resilient during falls. This outcome surprised the team, who had initially expected the ends to be structurally stronger.
These findings challenge traditional thinking, including how eggs are packaged and used in educational ‘egg drop’ experiments. “The common sense is that the egg in the vertical direction is stronger,” commented materials scientist Marc Meyers, who was not involved in the research. Yet, the study published in Communications Physics suggests otherwise, hinting at broader implications for how we understand and apply structural resilience in natural materials.
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While the results might not revolutionise the way we make breakfast, they do illustrate the value of questioning everyday assumptions through scientific inquiry. Tal Cohen, one of the co-authors, noted the importance of challenging “very common, accepted notions” with data. Though more research is needed—especially for eggs dropped from greater heights—the experiment offers a small but curious insight into how nature’s design can still surprise us.
