Why does acid from leaves weaken alligator eggs??

Question

it was on a science test and i want to know the answer??? lol

Answer 1

Egg shells are made primarily of calcium carbonate, Ca(CO3)2, which is insoluable in water and fairly strong -- the same compound that limestone is made of.
When an acid contacts the calcium carbonate, an ion exchange takes place. The negative ions from the acid (such as chloride, nitrate, sulfate) trade places with the carbonate ions. This forms a calcium salt, like calcium chloride, calcuim nitrate, etc. Unlike the calcium carbonate, calcium salts are very soluable in water, so the salt dissolves away. Basically, the egg shell is eroded by the acid. Also, the carbonate ions combine with the hydrogen ions from the acid, forming water and carbon dioxide.

Answer 2

The above answers are correct -- sort of, but your question has an invalid implicit assumption.

Acid from leaves doesn't appreciably weaken alligator eggs. Alligators build nests of rotting piles of vegetation. If the composting leaves in the nests produced acid harmful to alligator eggs, there wouldn't be any alligators left.

Answer 3

Ah the joys of Acid Rain - the impending doom of yet another species. Eggs are made of Calcium - acid eats calcium - fragile eggs poorly developed or dead young - less alligators. Sad but true - the reaches of acid rain are slowly eating away at so many species and yet people are unwilling to switch their vehicle and energy uses to healthier and more sustainable types (sigh).

Answer 4

hello dear

methinks it is because the alligator eggs contain calcium carbonate which reacts with acid.

it is a classic acid/base reaction and would possibly explain the weakness in the shells.

hope that's right 4u

Answer 5

All leaves break down to acids, the rough ground is basic the acid and basic mix together to become salt. that is why the ocean is salty it keeps the bacteria down.