The Awesome Trick That Makes An Egg Turn Silver

When food and science collide, it almost always leads to ingenuity. In fact, you can even study food science in college — according to McGill University, the major allows an individual to explore "chemistry, biochemistry, nutrition, microbiology and engineering" in order to solve problems and develop new methods and systems that relate to our food system. According to Chegg, food scientists are the people we have to thank for our some of our favorite processed convenience foods, as they do lab testing to make sure both new and established foods are produced safely, consistently, and in accordance with government regulations.

Scientists have created food using only water and electricity, come up with new ways to store leftovers, and explained why our pancakes are round. They have even discovered the right way to eat an Oreo. Science is amazing! Of course, scientists are still working on other food questions, like whether or not eggs are healthy. But until they figure that one out, TikTok is mesmerizing us with a trick that seemingly turns the outside of an eggshell silver. This is one that will keep the kids entertained and provide parents with an opportunity to explain what's happening. 

Per the TikTok video, which has received 81.5k likes, you can indeed turn an egg silver. Hands are seen burning the exterior of an egg still in its shell over a candle with caption bubbles asking, "Did you know if you fully burn an egg on the outside and then place it directly into water it turns the egg completely silver?" The individual places the blackened egg into the water and lo and behold, it turns silver. We know what you're thinking, what sleight of hand or parlor trick is this? Us too. 

We hate to reveal a magician's secret, but Curious Kids explains that the egg isn't really turning silver, but rather it is an optical illusion. Burning your egg produces a "soot" that is comprised of carbon, hence the charred color, but this soot apparently is not too fond of water. When you place the egg in the H2O, "microbubbles" get in the way allowing the soot to repel the water. The site goes on to explain that this demonstration is essentially a study in light reflection — light works differently in water, and that's why the egg looks like it is silver. However, the minute you pull it out of the water, it will still look like an egg covered in soot, which isn't quite as exciting.