Abstract
Osmosis helps cells to perform transport and separation functions and is a basic natural process. Any cell is surrounded by a membrane that transmits the molecules of oxygen, water, and nutrients. The inside of an eggshell is also a membrane through which oxygen passes, but unnecessary substances do not penetrate. This work aims to determine what changes occur with an egg by placing it in liquids that are different in composition and density. The observation method is used as the main research technique. According to the test results, eggs take different forms and structures under the influence of various environments. The experiment demonstrates that the cell membrane transmits all the liquids by changing the composition of the substance that is exposed.
Purpose of the Work
The purpose of the experiment is to determine how the structure of a chicken egg will change under the influence of different liquids. In this case, such a physical process as osmosis is the main phenomenon that affects all possible changes. According to Shier, Butler, and Lewis (2018), the cellular membrane of any living organism is made in such a way that some substances can penetrate inwards, while harmful impurities are not rejected. It is assumed that three liquids (vinegar, corn syrup, and water) will affect the structure of the egg differently.
Steps of the Experiment
The experiment is performed in three stages since different types of liquid are used. To start, the circumference of a chicken egg is measured and recorded. Next, it is placed in a cup or jar of vinegar where it is stored for seventy-two hours. After this time, the egg is removed, and its circumference is measured. At another stage of the experiment, the object under consideration is put into corn syrup, and the same manipulations are conducted. The final stage is putting the egg in a cup or jug of freshwater for the same period. At all three stages, records are kept to monitor the results.
Results
When placing an egg in vinegar, a chemical reaction is observed, which is accompanied by the release of carbon dioxide, and it is possible to see that on the surface of the shell, bubbles appear. According to Mazlan et al. (2016), during the reaction, a slow process of the interaction of calcium contained in the eggshell occurs with the acid of vinegar. At the end of the experiment, the outer membrane completely dissolves. The egg is in a thin shell and becomes elastic by touch. In addition, the object will increase in size by absorbing a certain volume of vinegar. When immersing the egg in corn syrup, it is possible to observe how it turns into a blown ball that is almost devoid of hardness. This process is reverse osmosis, which, as Mamai et al. (2017) note, is often used in industry. Nevertheless, if the egg is immersed in water after syrup and seventy-two hours pass, it will return to its original form.
Discussion
The three liquids described affecting the structure of the egg differently, which confirms the hypothesis stated. As expected, the object changed its structure several times under the influence of different fluids, which is proof of the existence of osmosis. To consider this physical phenomenon in more detail, it is possible to pay attention to how the professional desalination systems are constructed, which represents reverse osmosis. Based on the results of the experiment, it can be noted that the stated goal was fulfilled, and practical evidence was obtained.
Reference
Mamai, W., Hood-Nowotny, R., Maiga, H., Ali, A. B., Bimbile-Somda, N. S., Soma, D. D.,… Gilles, J. R. (2017). Reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration for recovery and reuse of larval rearing water in Anopheles arabiensis mass production: Effect of water quality on larval development and fitness of emerging adults. Acta Tropica, 170, 126-133. Web.
Mazlan, N. M., Marchetti, P., Maples, H. A., Gu, B., Karan, S., Bismarck, A., & Livingston, A. G. (2016). Organic fouling behaviour of structurally and chemically different forward osmosis membranes – A study of cellulose triacetate and thin film composite membranes. Journal of Membrane Science, 520, 247-261. Web.
Shier, D., Butler, J., & Lewis, R. (2018). Hole’s human anatomy and physiology (15th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.