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glass

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Glass is a non-crystalline, amorphous solid that is typically transparent. It is made from a mixture of sand, soda ash, and lime, which are melted together at high temperatures. The molten glass is then cooled rapidly, which prevents it from crystallizing.

Glass is a very versatile material. It is strong, durable, and transparent. It is also relatively inexpensive to produce. This makes it a popular material for many different applications, including windows, bottles, mirrors, and scientific instruments.

The properties of glass are determined by its composition. The type of sand used, the amount of soda ash and lime added, and the cooling rate all affect the properties of the glass. For example, adding more soda ash to the mixture makes the glass more soluble in water.

Glass is a fascinating material with a wide range of applications. It is likely that we will continue to find new and innovative ways to use glass in the future.

How can the word be used?

A mirror is a surface made of glass that reflects light.

glass

Different forms of the word

Noun: glass.

Adjective: glassy.

Verb: to glaze.

Synonym: crystal.

Etymology

The word "glass" comes from the Old English word "glaes", which means "clear stone". The Old English word "glaes" comes from the Proto-Germanic word "glaz", which also means "clear stone".

Question

What can glass be used to make?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question: What is the composition of glass?

Answer:

Glass is a non-crystalline solid that is made up of silica (SiO2), soda (Na2O), and lime (CaO). These three substances are melted together at high temperatures and then cooled rapidly. The rapid cooling prevents the formation of crystals, which is what gives glass its characteristically smooth and transparent appearance.

Here is a more detailed explanation of the composition of glass:

  • Silica is the main component of glass. It is a hard, brittle substance that is found in sand.
  • Soda is added to glass to make it more soluble in water. This makes it easier to melt and shape glass.
  • Lime is added to glass to make it more durable. It also helps to prevent the formation of bubbles in glass.

In addition to these three main components, glass can also contain other substances, such as lead, barium, and zinc. These substances are added to glass to give it specific properties, such as increased strength, opacity, or refractive index.