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Glass isn't really a solid - it's a 'super-cooled liquid' - sudden temperature change causes 'thermal shock' where the outer surface expands or contracts quicker than the rest of the glass - causing it to break.

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14y ago

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Why does a mirror break?

A mirror breaks when the glass is subjected to stress or impact that exceeds its strength. This can be caused by physical force, temperature changes, or the presence of imperfections in the glass. When the glass breaks, it shatters into fragments due to the internal tension within the glass.


Why did the glass table explode?

The glass table likely exploded due to a sudden change in temperature or pressure, causing stress on the glass and leading to its breakage.


Why the glass beaker breaks when cold water is sprinkled on it?

When cold water is added to a hot glass beaker, the sudden temperature change causes thermal stress in the glass. This stress leads to uneven contraction and expansion of different parts of the glass, resulting in the glass beaker shattering due to the internal pressure that builds up within the glass.


What does it mean when a glass breaks by itself?

When a glass breaks by itself, it can be due to a phenomenon called spontaneous glass breakage. This can occur when there are internal stresses or defects in the glass that suddenly release, causing it to break seemingly without external cause. Changes in temperature, poor manufacturing, or structural damage can also lead to spontaneous glass breakage.


What does it mean when a glass breaks and shatters into pieces?

When a glass breaks and shatters into pieces, it means that the glass has fractured and separated into smaller fragments due to a force or impact applied to it.


What does it mean when glass breaks and shatters into pieces?

When glass breaks and shatters into pieces, it means that the glass has fractured and separated into smaller fragments due to a force or impact applied to it.


What phase change happens when glass mists up from breath?

Water in the vapor phase changes to liquid phase due to the cooler glass temperature.


Why does a glass bottle brake in the freezer?

A glass bottle can break in the freezer due to a sudden change in temperature causing thermal stress on the glass. When liquids inside the bottle freeze, they expand and apply pressure to the walls of the bottle. This stress, combined with the already brittle nature of glass, can lead to the bottle breaking or shattering.


Why does a hot glass chimney often cracks when drops of cold water fall on it?

When drops of cold water land on a hot glass chimney, the sudden temperature difference creates thermal stress in the glass. This stress leads to uneven expansion and contraction of the glass, causing it to crack due to the structural weakness created by the sudden temperature change.


Why did the window crack for no reason?

The window cracked for no reason due to a sudden change in temperature or stress on the glass, causing it to break spontaneously.


What would happen to a cold empty glass if it was placed in hot place?

The glass would likely shatter due to the rapid change in temperature causing thermal stress. Glass is sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, and placing a cold glass in a hot environment would cause uneven expansion, leading to the glass breaking.


Do mirrors crack in the cold?

Mirrors are made of glass, which can crack due to sudden changes in temperature, including exposure to extreme cold. The expansion and contraction of the glass can create stress on the mirror, leading to cracks if the temperature change is too abrupt.