The Alien Egg Experiment

Hank Green introduces SciShow experiments, focusing on osmosis, a key process in cellular water absorption. Using an egg as a model, he demonstrates how osmosis works by dissolving the egg shell with vinegar, allowing water to permeate the membrane. The egg expands due to water absorption. To reverse this, the egg is placed in corn syrup, causing water to exit the egg, demonstrating osmosis in action.

Why is an unfertilized chicken egg used to demonstrate osmosis?

• Because it is cheaper than other cells.

• Because it is easy to cook and eat.

• Because it is a large single cell with a visible membrane.

• Because it is colorful and attractive.

What is the main chemical component of an eggshell that reacts with vinegar?

• Magnesium sulfate

• Potassium nitrate

• Calcium carbonate

• Sodium chloride

What byproduct is visible when vinegar reacts with the eggshell?

• Oxygen

• Carbon dioxide

• Nitrogen

• Hydrogen

What happens to the egg when it is placed in vinegar?

• It shrinks and hardens.

• It dissolves completely.

• It changes color to blue.

• It absorbs water and becomes larger.

How can the process of osmosis be reversed in the egg experiment?

• By placing the egg in a solution with a higher concentration of dissolved material.

• By heating the egg.

• By placing the egg in a solution with a lower concentration of dissolved material.

• By freezing the egg.