Jam: why does it always fall on the wrong side when it’s on the slice of bread?

Have you ever noticed that when your slice of bread with jam slips from your hands, he seems to have some sort of sadistic preference for fall from the side just smeared? This phenomenonwhich at first glance might seem like one simple bad luckactually hides some very interesting physical explanations.

Stefano Marcelliniin his article on the Scienza per Everyoneinvites us to explore scientifically this curious case of fallen bread. Start with one verify: Is it really common for the bread to fall on the side of the jam or is it just a perception distorted by a few unfortunate memories?

The proposed experiment is simple but effective: it involves repeatedly dropping slices of bread, noting which side they land on. First of all, though, it is necessary establish what is meant by “statistically significant”. This And fundamental to ensure that the results obtained are not the result of chance.

A common hypothesis is that jam, adding weight on one side of the slice, affects the way it falls. However, the amount of jam spread is actually minimal, so you might doubt that This is sufficient to to determine the direction of fall.

The angular momentumor that push involuntary that we give to the slice as it falls, seems to play a decisive role. While there wheel slice and falls, keep this moment angularwhich might explain why it tends to fall on its side spread.

What is fascinating than this simple test it’s how it fits into the scientific method: formulation of hypotheses, experimentation and verification or refutation of the hypotheses themselves. It’s the best thing? In the end of the experimentyou can eat yours”experimental apparatus“!

But then, why does your bread seem to have a predilection for jam?

It may not just be a matter of bad luck. Could be, ratherto be perfect combination of small factors physicists as the center of gravity modified and the angular momentum, which together decide the fate of your breakfast.

Has this ever happened to you? this experience with the bread? What do you think that influences moreover his fall?