We love egg experiments on Science Sparks. We have investigated air pressure using eggs, we have transformed egg whites, tested how strong an egg shell is, and shrunk them but today is this is the simpliest but most effective experiment involving eggs! How do you remove the shell?
You will need:
1. Take a raw egg and put it in a cup
2. Cover it with white vinegar (which is also known as acetic acid)
Q: What do you noticing happening?
A: You should see bubbles collect around the shell (a sign that a chemical reaction is taking place)
3. Leave for 4 to 5 days.
4. Go to observe.
You should now be able to see shell residue in the vinegar and the yolk whole in the egg white. If you still see white resdiue on the egg you can rub this off lightly with you finger. I tried to lift the whole egg out of the vinegar but broke the membrane, but it is possible to lift it out whole.
The Science Bit
The acid has reacted with the shell and “eaten” away at it. The shell is made up of calcium carbonate and this gets dissolves due to the acid. The inside of the egg should still be intact because the vinegar doesn’t break down the egg membrane. The egg also swells up, because some of the liquid seeps inside it via diffusuion (high concentration to low).You should be able to see the yellow yolk through the membrane. It really is quite incredible.
You could compare what happens to a raw egg with a boiled egg as well.
Go have a go and see through an egg!