HESI A2 Biology Practice Test Related

Review HESI A2 Biology Practice Test related questions and content

If a hard-boiled egg is placed in a beaker of saltwater, what will happen to the egg?

  • A. Expand because water will move into the egg
  • B. Shrivel because water will leave the egg
  • C. Remain the same
  • D. None of the above
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. When a hard-boiled egg is placed in a beaker of saltwater, the egg will shrivel because water will leave the egg through osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, in this case, from the egg into the saltwater. The higher concentration of solute in the saltwater causes water to move out of the egg, leading to the egg shrinking or shriveling. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the egg will not expand, remain the same, or have an outcome different from shriveling when placed in a beaker of saltwater.