Find answers, ask questions, and connect with our
community around the world.

Activity Discussion Science & Technology What makes egg shells so strong?

  • Sujit Kumar

    Member
    December 7, 2023 at 4:59 pm
    Helpful
    Up
    1
    Down
    Not Helpful
    ::

    Eggshells are remarkably strong and protective due to their unique composition and structure. They serve as a safeguard for the developing chick inside the egg. The strength of an eggshell comes from a combination of materials and design. Let’s break the strength of an eggshell part by part:

    Composition: Eggshells are made primarily of a mineral called calcium carbonate. This mineral provides the shell with its hardness and strength. Calcium carbonate is arranged in microscopic crystals that form a lattice-like structure, creating a sturdy framework for the shell. Additionally, the presence of proteins in the eggshell helps to hold the calcium carbonate crystals together, further contributing to its strength.

    Structure: The eggshell has a unique structure consisting of several layers. The outermost layer, the cuticle or bloom, protects against bacteria and moisture loss. Beneath this layer are the calcium carbonate crystals arranged in a lattice, providing strength to the shell. The inner membrane helps prevent any harmful substances from entering the egg.

    Design for Strength: The shape of an egg also plays a role in its strength. The arch shape of the egg distributes force evenly, making it harder to break. This design helps protect the delicate contents of the egg from external pressure.

    So, the strength of eggshells comes from the combination of calcium carbonate minerals, proteins, and the unique structure that provides a protective environment for the developing embryo. The calcium carbonate crystals arranged in a lattice and the egg’s shape and protective layers contribute to its remarkable strength.

  • Susmita

    Member
    October 2, 2020 at 9:21 am
    Helpful
    Up
    0
    Down
    Not Helpful
    ::

    Boiled egg, scrambled egg, egg curry, poached egg etc. there are various types of preparation of eggs that we know. And we also know that egg shells are very fragile or brittle. We handle it very carefully. But hold the egg with your palm at the two pointed ends and try to squeeze the egg. Surprisingly you will see that it is not so easy to break the egg.
    If you can stand carefully on eggs, as shown in picture, the eggs will not break.
    But can you guess why this happens? The answer is that this is because of the dome or arch shape of the egg. In the picture below, you can see that pressure is given at the two pointed end points, marked by red arrows in the picture. Here pressure is distributed or spread evenly all over the eggshell, marked by the yellow arrows and this is the special feature of dome shape that gives the strength to the eggshell.

    Remember that dome or arch shaped structures are the strongest structures. If you put any weight on the pointed side of a dome, then the weight spreads easily and evenly in all direction of the dome. Weight does not affect the point where weight has been placed. Now egg is the natural dome shape object. So when any type of weight is put on the two ends of dome shape of the egg, as shown in above pictures, it does not break easily. Hens sit on their eggs, placing it lengthwise and eggs do not break. You may have noticed that egg sellers keep the eggs lengthwise to avoid the breaking of eggs.

  • Naman

    Member
    December 2, 2023 at 12:33 pm
    Helpful
    Up
    0
    Down
    Not Helpful
    ::

    The strength of an eggshell comes from its composition, primarily calcium carbonate. This mineral provides rigidity and strength to the shell, making it tough enough to protect the developing embryo inside.

  • Anand

    Member
    December 7, 2023 at 4:57 pm
    Helpful
    Up
    0
    Down
    Not Helpful
    ::

    Eggshells are surprisingly strong and have several structural features that contribute to their strength:

    1. Calcium carbonate composition: The primary component of eggshells is calcium carbonate, which is a crystalline mineral. This compound provides strength and rigidity to the shell. The calcium carbonate crystals are arranged in a matrix, creating a hard and protective outer layer.

    2. Protein matrix: Apart from calcium carbonate, eggshells also contain proteins. These proteins form a matrix that surrounds the calcium carbonate crystals, providing additional strength and toughness. The combination of calcium carbonate and proteins creates a composite material with impressive mechanical properties.

    3. Microscopic structure: At a microscopic level, eggshells have a unique structure. The shell is made up of numerous tiny mineralized columns or fibers. These columns help distribute stress and impact forces across the shell, making it more resistant to cracking.

    4. Membrane lining: Inside the eggshell, there is a membrane lining that provides some flexibility. This membrane can absorb shocks and impacts, helping to prevent cracks from spreading.

    5. Gradual mineralization: As the egg develops, the mineralization process of the shell is gradual. This allows the shell to adapt to the growing needs of the developing chick. The shell becomes progressively thicker and stronger over time.

    These structural features work together to create a robust and protective covering for the developing embryo inside the egg. While eggshells are strong, they are not invincible, and they can still break under certain conditions or forces. The strength of an eggshell is a result of the delicate balance between hardness and some degree of flexibility.

For Worksheets & PrintablesJoin Now
+