Why Does an Old Egg Float in Water?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does an old egg float in water?

The Big Idea

An old egg floats in water because a bigger pocket of air forms inside it over time! The shell has tiny pores, so water escapes and air slips in. A very old egg holds so much air that it floats.

Tiny Pores

Step one: shells have pores. An eggshell looks solid, but it has thousands of tiny holes called pores. Air and water vapor can slip through them.

Air Pocket Grows

Step two: the air pocket grows. Over days and weeks, water slowly escapes through the pores, and air takes its place. The air pocket at the wide end of the egg gets bigger.

Float Or Sink

Step three: air makes it float. A fresh egg is heavier than the water around it, so it sinks. An older egg has more air, so it tips up, and a very old egg floats.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! A fresh egg is full and heavy. An older egg has a bigger air pocket. Place each gently in a glass of water. The oldest egg bobs up and floats.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Floating hints at age, but it does not prove an egg is safe. Always check the date and look for cracks. Keep eggs in the fridge. Wash your hands after touching raw eggs, and let a grown-up help.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, gently lower a fresh egg into a glass of water. Do the same with an older egg in a second glass. Compare how they sink or float. Wash your hands after touching raw eggs.

Outro

A floating egg has a big air pocket inside. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!