- The chemical in vinegar is acetic acid. Egg shells are made of the compound calcium carbonate. The reaction between acetic acid and calcium carbonate causes the egg shell to disappear, and carbon dioxide bubbles to form.
- In this lab you will observe this chemical reaction.
MATERIALS NEEDED:1-pint glass jar
Raw egg
1 pint white vinegar
Paper towelPROCEDURE:
Carefully place the raw egg into the glass jar. You do not want the shell to be cracked.
Fill the jar about half-full of vinegar.
Allow the egg to sit in the vinegar for 24 hours. Make observations periodically, and then after the 24 hour period. Notice the gas bubbles forming, they are carbon dioxide. At first, the egg sinks to the bottom of the vinegar, but later begins to float. Why do you think the egg is now floating?After the 24 hours. Over a sink, carefully pour the vinegar out, catching the egg in your hand. Rinse the egg and your hand with clear water to remove all the vinegar.Carefully pat the egg dry with the paper towel. What does the egg look like now?
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Back to Lab Dad's Laboratory
- In this lab you will observe this chemical reaction.
CHEMICALLY REMOVING THE SHELL
OF AN EGG
INTRODUCTION: