Is the iPhone screen broken? The Intriguing Tale of Phones Surviving Free Falls
In the captivating world of technological wonders, the recent Alaska Airlines incident has unraveled an unexpected twist—the remarkable survival of an iPhone that took a daring plunge from 16,000 feet. The narrative, which unfolded on social media, showcased the resilience of modern smartphones, leaving the audience in awe.
The survival of these devices is not just a testament to the advanced engineering of contemporary screens, but also a fascinating exploration into the laws of physics. Collin Wilkinson, the director of the Center for Glass Innovation at Alfred University, sheds light on the intriguing dynamics that determine a phone’s fate during free falls.
Defying Gravity: The Physics of Falling
When physicist Rhett Allain computes the velocity at which a phone falls from varying heights, it is clear that the impact surface is critical to the phone’s survival. The phone accelerates gradually as it falls toward a point of equilibrium called terminal velocity, at which point it falls at a constant speed. It is amazing to note that an iPhone 11 reaches terminal velocity at 328 feet, meaning that a 16,000-foot drop is not that different from a 328-foot fall.
The Art of Impact: Where and How Matters
The mystery increases when we take into account the landing site. The impact duration, which is affected by the landing material, is important. If a phone hits a pillow, for example, the impact time increases, reducing the force. If it hits concrete, on the other hand, the impact duration is shorter, resulting in a more forceful collision. The fact that the iPhone was found in large bushes in Portland proved to be fortunate because each contact with the bush caused the device to slow down gradually.
But the story does not end with the landing site; it goes on from there. Collin Wilkinson states that if a piece of glass lands flat and perfectly even, the force acting on it should not break because the force is distributed evenly. However, if the screen lands at an angle or hits a pebble or other obstacle, strong pressure is applied to a small point, highlighting the possibility of glass cracks.
The Dance of Flaws: The Glass Conundrum
Wilkinson’s analysis goes into the minuscule imperfections that exist in glass and turn into critical points for future fractures. These imperfections are what cause fractures when pressure is applied, and the task facing researchers is to control these imperfections to increase the strength of glass.
This story of phones that survive free falls is essentially an intriguing combination of engineering, physics, and pure luck. The evolution of smartphone screens over time has certainly added to their resilience, but the complex interplay of gravity, impact surfaces, and glass defects still fascinates scientists and enthusiasts. As technology develops and the limits of what our devices can withstand grow, every incident—like the Alaska Airlines saga—becomes an intriguing chapter in the story of our relationship with the devices that accompany us on our daily adventures.
In conclusion, the Alaska Airlines incident becomes a compelling chapter in the ongoing saga of our relationship with technology. It is a testament to the intricate balance between human ingenuity and the unpredictable forces of nature. As we witness phones defy gravity, we are reminded that, in this modern age, our gadgets are not merely tools but companions on a journey where the laws of physics and the marvels of engineering converge in awe-inspiring ways. The tale continues, inviting us to explore the uncharted territories of innovation and resilience.