The Naked Egg is a fantastically fun and interesting experiment that is easy to do using household items from your kitchen cupboards!
Photo from Steve Spangler Science
You will need…
- One egg
- Bottle of white vinegar
- Container big enough for your egg
Method:
- Place your egg in your container and carefully pour in some of the white vinegar until the egg is covered.
- Put the container somewhere safe and leave it alone for 48 hours.
- Once the time is up, remove the egg carefully. What has happened?
Photo from Steve Spangler Science
The Science Bit:
Vinegar is acidic and the shell of the egg is made of calcium carbonate, when combined there is a chemical reaction in which the vinegar eats away at the eggshell, but leaves the membrane so you end up with a naked egg!
Experiment even more:
This experiment takes a bit of time, but there is lots you can do to keep you occupied.
For example, make a diary, take photos and keep a record of what happens to the egg from start to finish.
- Did the egg change shape, size or colour?
- What was the texture of the egg like after 24 hours?
- What happens if you leave it for a whole week?
- What did you notice about the shell when it was in the vinegar?
- Shine a torch through the egg, what does it look like?
