Demos: 1F-03 Egg Drop

Three large beakers filled with water are placed near the end of the lecture table. An aluminum pie pan is set on the beakers, as illustrated, so that part of the pan hangs over the end of the lecture table. Three plastic spools placed on the pan directly over the beakers hold three raw eggs. A standard straw broom is placed under foot and pulled back. When let go, it moves rapidly toward the table, striking the pie pan sharply, then coming to rest against the end of the table. The pie pan flies forward, its lip catching the bottom the spools, leaving the eggs to drop straight down into the water, unbroken.

Directions: Make sure the beakers are aligned as shown, two in front and one in back, set so that the broom will not strike them before it hits the lecture desk. The pie pan must extend over the edge of the lecture desk. Place the three plastic spools in the pan so that each spool is directly over a beaker. Then set the raw eggs in the spools. Place the bottom of the broom on the floor just below the edge of the table and place your foot firmly on the straws. Then pull the handle back. Aim it toward the middle of the pie pan and let go.

Suggestions for Presentation: This is a highly entertaining demo. Play it for all it’s worth! First, indicate that you have special equipment. There must be an official pie pan. Turn the pan so that the student can see the bottom, on which is printed a large letter p.

The broom is labeled Hilda (for Broom Hilda) and is used in physics for making “sweeping generalizations.” Describe to the students what is going to happen. Pull the broom back, hesitate for a moment, then turn and talk some more (guarantees laughter). Upon completion of the demo, you can break one of the eggs into the beaker to show that it is raw.

Applications: Compare this demo with the others in the set: 1F-1, 1F-2, 1F-5, 1F-6.

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