Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am doing a group project in which we soak strawberries in water, vinegar, and lemon juice (all in individual cups) for 8 hours. By the end of 8 hours, the vinegar became a coral-ish, orange-ish pink. Why does it change color like that? Also, all 3 strawberries became mushy. This is because of the added water (from osmosis), right?

Hi - that's a great experiment to show the movement of liquids.

Why does it change color like that? The color from the berries moved into the liquids - the vinegar pulled the color through very strongly.

Also, all 3 strawberries became mushy. This is because of the added water (from osmosis), right? It's because of the added liquid, yes - the vinegar moved into the berries, across the the "skin" - it's semi-permeable membrane.

I hope that helps Tonya