Eggs-periment!
This activity will show us what vinegar does to calcium carbonate, a molecule that makes up sea shells, corals, and parts of your bones!
This experiment will take place over the course of two days.
Safety Notes
Ensure you are familiar with Let's Talk Science's precautions with respect to safe virtual outreach to youth.
What To Do
- Place the raw egg in your cup or bowl and completely cover it in vinegar.
- Wait a couple days and you will see the vinegar has completely dissolved the egg shell made of calcium carbonate.
Discovery
Vinegar is an acid and dissolves the calcium in the eggshell, the same molecule that makes up sea shells, corals, and our bones. The calcium is what makes the shell hard. The thin, flexible membrane just under the hard shell still holds the egg's shape!
Challenge students to test out this activity using other acidic liquids, like lemon juice.
What's Happening?
Vinegar is an acid and dissolves the calcium in the eggshell, the same molecule that makes up sea shells, corals, and our bones. The calcium is what makes the shell hard. The thin, flexible membrane just under the hard shell still holds the egg's shape!
Investigate Further
Challenge students to test out this activity using other acidic liquids, like lemon juice.