Question 25

The egg will shrivel because water will leave the egg.

When a hard-boiled egg is placed in a beaker of saltwater, it will shrivel due to the process of osmosis. Water moves from an area of lower solute concentration (inside the egg) to an area of higher solute concentration (the saltwater), causing the egg to lose water and shrink.

A) Expand because water will move into the egg

This option is incorrect because the concentration of salt in the surrounding water is higher than that inside the egg. As a result, water will not move into the egg; instead, it will move out, leading to the egg shrinking rather than expanding.

B) Shrivel because water will leave the egg

This option is correct. The saltwater has a higher solute concentration compared to the fluid inside the egg, prompting water to exit the egg in an attempt to balance the solute concentrations. This loss of water causes the egg to shrivel.

C) Remain the same

This option is incorrect because the presence of salt in the water creates a hypertonic environment. The egg cannot remain the same when placed in such a solution; it will lose water and thus will not maintain its original size.

D) None of the above

This option is incorrect because option B accurately describes what occurs when a hard-boiled egg is placed in saltwater. There is a definitive outcome regarding the egg's size, making this option invalid.

Conclusion

The correct answer is option B, as it accurately describes the physiological process of osmosis that occurs when the egg is placed in saltwater, leading to water leaving the egg and causing it to shrivel. Options A and C misrepresent the effects of a hypertonic solution on the egg, while option D incorrectly asserts that none of the provided options are correct.