Exploring Osmosis with Naked Eggs

Oct 7, 2024

Sci Guys: Osmosis and Naked Eggs

Introduction

  • Hosts: Adam and Ryan
  • Experiment: Exploring osmosis through creating naked eggs
  • Key Concept: Osmosis - movement of water across a membrane from a dilute to a concentrated solution

Materials Needed

  • Ingredients:
    • Egg
    • Vinegar
    • Corn syrup
    • Food coloring
  • Equipment:
    • Glass
    • Old spoon or gravy ladle

Safety Precautions

  • Wear a lab coat or apron
  • Use goggles to prevent spills and splashes

Experimental Steps

Step 1: Removing the Egg Shell

  1. Place the egg at the bottom of a glass.
  2. Pour vinegar over the egg.
  3. Let the egg sit in vinegar for 24 hours. The vinegar dissolves the shell and exposes the membrane.
  4. After 24 hours, refresh the vinegar for another 24 hours to fully dissolve the shell.
  5. After the shell is gone, rinse the egg.

Step 2: Osmosis with Corn Syrup

  1. Place the naked egg in a glass.
  2. Pour corn syrup over it.
  3. Submerge the egg with a bent spoon.
  4. Let it sit for 24-48 hours. The egg will shrink as water moves into the syrup.
  5. Afterward, rinse the egg.

Step 3: Osmosis with Colored Water

  1. Fill a glass with water, add food coloring, and stir.
  2. Place the shriveled egg in the colored water.
  3. Let it sit for 24 hours. Water will move back into the egg, causing it to swell.
  4. Rinse the egg after completing the process.

Explanation of the Science

  • Vinegar Reaction:
    • Vinegar (acetic acid) reacts with the egg shell (calcium carbonate) to produce carbon dioxide, water, and calcium acetate.
  • Osmosis Process:
    • Egg membrane is semi-permeable, allowing only water molecules to pass.
    • Water moves from areas of low solute concentration to areas of high solute concentration.
    • Vinegar Bath: Water enters egg, causing it to swell.
    • Corn Syrup Bath: Water leaves egg, causing it to shrink.
    • Colored Water Bath: Water re-enters egg, causing it to swell again.

Conclusion

  • Osmosis demonstrated through the movement of water across the egg membrane.

Final Notes

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Full transcript