Question

From a fixed height, two eggs are dropped such that one falls on a concrete floor and the other on a cushioned pillow. The egg falling on the concrete floor breaks and the one falling on the pillow does not break. Explain why in terms of momentum.

Answer 1

1. The change of momentum of an egg takes place in shorter time in case of concrete surface. 
2. The change of momentum of the egg takes place in longer time in case of cushioned pillow. 
3. Hence, egg does not break on cushioned pillow.

Answer 2

We know by Newton's laws of motion that the reactionary force (F) experinced by a falling body is related with change in momentum (∆p) occurred during the time of  change in momentum (∆t) as follows     F =∆p/∆t.

Here in both the cases change in momentums (∆p) due to impact are same. But duration of change in momentum (∆t) is more in case of cushioned pillow. So egg experinces less reactionary force and does not break when falls on cushioned pillow.