Learn how to turn a raw egg into a bouncy ball

Bouncy Egg Experiment

Turning a raw egg into a bouncing ball is a fun (and sometimes) messy experiment to try at home! With just two ingredients, a jar, and some patience, your family can explore what happens to make an egg bounce.

Materials Needed

• Raw egg
• Vinegar
• Jar with lid

Instructions

1. Place egg carefully in the jar. If the shell breaks at all, you will need to use a different egg.
2. Pour vinegar into the jar until the egg is covered. Cover the jar and wait! (Note: Food coloring can be added to the jar to make different colored eggs.)
3. 24 hours later, drain the vinegar and refill again. Let the egg sit for seven (7) days. Remember to be patient!
4. Remove the egg and rinse off. Time to bounce the egg!

What happens to make the egg turn into a rubber bounce ball? The chemical that makes up the eggshell (calcium carbonate) reacts with the acid in the vinegar. That reaction of an acid and a base creates carbon dioxide (a gas) that causes the eggshell to disappear (look for the bubbles!).

Questions you can ask your family

1. What does the egg feel like? Hard, soft, squishy?
2. What is that smell when you open the jar?
3. What do you think causes the bubbles around the egg?
4. Can we guess how high the egg will bounce?
5. Will soaking the egg in other liquids make the egg rubbery?

EVPL Staff

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