Floating Egg Experiment

What happens when you toss a coin in water? It sinks, doesn’t it? But why does an apple float in water without sinking to the bottom? Some things float while others sink when you put them in water, because of a concept called density.

Sometimes, understanding the theory behind buoyancy and density can be difficult and confusing for little children. In such cases, performing some simple science experiments for kids like the floating egg experiment demonstrates the concept of density to the kids.

Here is a step-by-step guide to performing the floating egg experiment:

• Things You Need For The Floating Egg Experiment
• Steps To Set-Up The Floating Egg Science Experiment
• The Science Behind Floating Egg Density Experiment
• You Can Do More With Floating Egg Science Experiment

Things You Need For The Floating Egg Experiment

The floating egg science experiment is a simple and inexpensive way to help kids understand their lessons on density. All you need are some eggs and saltwater.

Here is a list of things you’ll need to perform the experiment:

1. 2 Eggs (ensure they are the freshest eggs possible)
2. 2 large glasses
3. 2 – 3 cups of water 
4. ½ cup salt
5. Spoon

Steps To Set Up The Floating Egg Science Experiment

Ready for an egg-citing adventure? Then, follow these instructions to perform the floating egg density experiment:

1. Pour water into each of the glasses until they are about ¾ full. 
2. Add the ½ cup of salt into one glass of water and stir till it is completely dissolved. 
3. Add one of the eggs to the glass with plain water and see what happens. The egg will sink to the bottom.
4. Now add the second egg into the glass with the salt solution. And voila! You have a floating egg.

The Science Behind The Floating Egg Density Experiment

So, why did the egg float in the salty water, while it sank to the bottom of the glass with plain water? Let’s learn about it by understanding the science behind the floating egg experiment.

1. Why does the egg float in saltwater?

The egg has a lower density than the saltwater. Since the egg is lighter than the salt solution, it floats in the salty water.

Have you ever wondered why things and even humans float on the Dead Sea? It’s simple, density! The Dead Sea has an extremely high concentration of mineral salts, which increases its density. The water is so dense that even the human body is lighter than it, which makes it float.

2. Why does the egg sink to the bottom of the glass with plain water?

An egg has a higher density than plain water, which is why it sinks in the glass with plain water.

3. What is density and buoyancy?

Density is defined as the mass of a particular substance per unit volume. The relative lightness, or ability of a substance to float or rise on a liquid, is called buoyancy. Buoyancy is also the upward pressure or force exerted by a fluid, which causes an object immersed in the liquid to rise or move upwards. The buoyant force is directly proportional to the density of the liquid in which the object is immersed.

You Can Do More With The Floating Egg Science Experiment

It’s time to rack your little scientist’s brain. What else can you use to perform the floating egg experiment?

1. Instead of salt, use sugar and see if the egg floats in that solution.
2. Can the egg float in other liquids like milk, oil or even warm water?
3. Try the experiment with a hard boiled egg and see if it floats in water.  

Check our kids learning section for more experiments, activities and other learning resources.

Frequently Asked Questions On The Floating Egg Experiment