The process of dissolving the shell of an egg is simple and can be done with household objects.An eggshell is made up of a compound called calcium carbonate which is dissolved in acid.You can see bubbles of carbon dioxide being released from the surface of the egg during the chemical reaction.It is easy to do a science experiment at home.
Step 1: You should gather your materials.
You will need a fresh, uncooked egg, a drinking glass, and a dissolving solution such as white vinegar or a cola beverage for this experiment.The egg needs to touch the bottom of the drinking glass without touching the sides.Clear containers allow you to observe the experiment over time, while plastic cups can be used to hold the egg.An older egg will float in the liquid if you use a fresh egg.You should check your egg for cracks before you start.
Step 2: Put the egg in the glass.
Take care not to crack the egg by placing it in the bottom of the glass.If you want the egg to be completely submerged in the liquid, you need to pour enough vinegar over it.The shell is dissolved by the chemical reaction between the acetic acid and the calcium carbonate.
Step 3: Place the egg in a container for 24 hours.
Place the container on a shelf of the refrigerator and cover it with foil or plastic.It doesn't get knocked around if you keep it out of the way.
Step 4: The cup should be replaced after 24 hours.
The frothy shell on the surface of the liquid should be visible after the first day.There are parts of the shell that remain on the egg.The shell can take up to 3 days to fully dissolved.The egg will fall out of the container if the vinegar is not poured out.The egg should be rolled back down to the bottom of the container.
Step 5: The egg should be left undisturbed for at least 24 more hours.
Leave the egg alone in the refrigerator.Check the progress of the egg after at least another 24 hours.The dissolving process is complete if there are no white spots or areas that look like shell on the egg.Pick up the naked egg with your hand.You can see how it feels.
Step 6: Test the strength of the wall.
The egg needs to be removed from the vinegar.It feels rubbery.Drop the egg on the table and see if it bounces.Increase the height by an inch at a time, starting with just one inch above the table.The egg will break at a certain height.Before experimenting, lay down newspaper and do this activity outside.
Step 7: The egg can be grown with water.
Water can pass into the egg because it is permeable to liquid.The inside of the egg contains a lot of water.The amount of water in the egg will be equalized by a process called Osmosis if you place it in a cup that is 100% water.The egg swells in size as the water moves into it.Food coloring can be added to the cup of water.If you want, you can shrink the egg.
Step 8: The egg can be shrunk with corn syrup.
You can shrink the egg by putting it in a solution with very little water.The egg should be placed in a container full of corn syrup.Water will leave the egg to equalize the amount of water on each side of the enclosure.The egg will shrink as the water leaves it.If you want to grow the egg again, you can put it in a glass of water and shrink it.