Science Smarts: Naked egg

By Patty Rooks on March 28, 2026.

This week, I thought I would put together some egg-cellent experiments as Easter is fast approaching. If you are like me, you overdo it and purchase an abundance of eggs. This experiment will help you use them up. Let’s get started!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

– Small jar or glass

– Vinegar (at least 5%)

– Egg

Procedure

1. Carefully inspect the egg to ensure it is free of cracks. If there are any cracks, get a new one.

2. Place the egg in the jar.

3. Cover egg with vinegar.

4. You may want to put a lid on the jar as it can begin to smell quite strongly of vinegar.

5. Watch what is happening.

6. Set aside on the counter.

7. Be patient, it will take some time (up to three days) for this experiment to completely work.

8. After three days, gently remove the egg from the jar.

9. Wash the egg under cold water. Rubbing gently to remove all of the white shell.

10. If the shell is not completely removed, return it to the jar with the vinegar and wait 24 more hours.

11. Observe.

What is going on?

When you initially placed the egg in the vinegar, bubbles immediately began to form on the outside of the shell. Did you know that these bubbles are the result of a chemical reaction? The chemical you are using is acetic acid or vinegar, which reacts with another chemical called calcium carbonate or the egg shell.

As a result of this chemical reaction you can see the carbon dioxide bubbles being released.

Patty Rooks, senior scientific consultant Praxis Science Outreach Society. Praxis is located in the Community Futures Entre Corp Building at #202 556 Fourth St. SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0K8. For all your science needs, please email praxis@praxismh.ca.

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