Science Sunday: The mysterious egg
28/03/11
An experiment to float an egg in a glass of water, mysteriously.
Theory
An egg, made to float in the middle of a glass of water, will inspire fascination in a visitor.
Equipment
- A large glass
- Water
- Salt (lots)
- A fresh egg
- An easily impressed visitor
Experiment
A large glass was filled halfway with water into which lots of salt was dissolved. A fresh egg was placed in the solution and more salt was added until the egg floated. The glass was topped up with fresh water and the egg indeed floated mysteriously in the middle of the glass, at the junction of the salty and fresh water.
The glass was placed prominently on a shelf until the mother of the scientists returned home from work. The egg was presented to her.
Scientists H & L celebrate another successful experiment
Result
The mother was heard to say “Ooh!” and a look of fascination did indeed briefly pass across her face.
Conclusion
Science is ace!
Remarks
Science Sunday is an occasional event in our kitchen. This experiment came from a great library book called Smart Science Tricks.
5 Comments
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Bad eggs float in water too – I know, I am one
Yes but a bad egg would rise to the top rather than float in the middle (I’ve updated the text above to make this clearer) leading to a 46% reduction in mysteriousness.
Sorry for causing a reduction in mysteriousness, but science should be crystal clear – unlike a glass of salty water.
Initially I shared your disappointment at the cloudiness of the water, but I am pleased to note that this diminished after a few hours. It didn’t go quite as clear as the photo on the cover of the book would suggest though…
I like the cloudiness- it adds a kind of alien element to it. You should try the trick to made the shell go slightly see through first (soak it in vinegar, I heard which also makes it bouncy!). THEN float it..spooky!
I’ve sorted your next science sunday for you!