Egg In A Bottle

Age

Elementary School, Middle School, High School

Format

Stage Show, Hands-on

Materials

   Hard-boiled Egg
   Bottle
   Newspaper
   Blowtorch or Lighter 

Safety Precautions

Science Theatre demonstrators must keep the safety of themselves and their audience in mind at all times. All Science Theatre demonstrators must have read through the Safety Training page. The ST Safety Box with first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc. should always be available to demonstrators. Always wear safety gloves, glasses, and a labcoat if handling chemicals; always perform potentially dangerous demonstrations at a safe distance from the audience; and always keep a very close eye on any volunteers you call from the audience.

Preparation

Boil and peel the egg(s).

Why It Is

When the burning paper is dropped into the bottle, combustion with the oxygen in the bottle occurs until the reaction consumes either the oxygen or the paper. The heat produced by the reaction increases the air pressure inside the bottle, causing the egg to "jump" and allow air to escape. When the air cools, the egg settles into the mouth of the bottle. There is now more air outside the bottle than inside, so the higher pressure on the outside pushes the egg into the bottle.