Chapter 18, Problem 31A

Only with great difficulty can you crush an egg when squeezing it along its long axis, but it breaks easily if you squeeze it side-ways.

To determine

To explain: The reason when egg can easily break when squeeze it side-ways, but it is difficult to squeeze along its long axis.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Applications of Physics can be found in every day’s work. Squeezing of egg is famous examples among them. Egg is the essential daily products for many of us. The egg is oval shape. If someone trying to squeeze it along its long axis, it will be very difficult to squeeze it in this way.

The structure of Egg is 3-D arch like. The 3-D arch like architecture of the egg is strong at its end point of the vertical axis. When pressure applies along egg’s long vertical axis, pressure distribute evenly all over the egg’s volume. Another view is when pressure applies along its long axis, pressure applied is evenly along both the ends. Therefore, due to the zero resultant force, egg will not squeeze it easily. Applying force at its two ends is similar to a strengthen the egg at its end.

Conclusion:

Therefore, egg form the 3-D catenary arches like structure which make it stronger when force is applying along its long axis. Whereas when it is squeeze along side-way due to uneven pressure it can easily squeeze. Side-way of egg not able to form the catenary arches like structure which make it easier to squeeze.