Glass is transparent because its molecular structure is amorphous, which means that the molecules are arranged in a disordered manner, allowing light to pass through it without being absorbed.
The classic glass that we use every day is mainly composed of silica, a combination of silicon and oxygen. These two elements form a very particular network, a kind of organized disorder, called amorphous structure. Unlike a crystal where molecules are arranged rigorously in regular patterns, glass resembles a frozen liquid, with its atoms placed without precise regularity. This disordered arrangement prevents electrons from easily absorbing the light that passes through this material. As a result, light continues its path without much difficulty, making the glass transparent.
When light passes through glass, it encounters the atoms of the material. These atoms do not really absorb visible light, as their structure does not allow the electrons they contain to "jump" easily to other energy levels. Instead of blocking or reflecting this light, they generally let it pass through without being absorbed, which explains why glass is transparent. However, be careful, as some wavelengths (such as ultraviolet) can be absorbed by glass — it’s just that, for visible light, it slides right through. On the other hand, even though it is transparent, glass slows down light a bit. This is related to what is called the refractive index, which causes light to change slightly in speed and sometimes in direction when it enters or exits the glass: this is why you sometimes see reflections or even distortions through a window.
In many materials, it is the presence of certain particular electronic bonds between atoms that absorbs visible light. But in glass, these famous bonds simply do not exist. Its electrons are so tightly bound to the atoms that they cannot absorb the energy of visible light, which then passes straight through. The result: no absorption, therefore no particular color, just a beautiful transparency.
When light hits glass, it causes a vibration of the atoms in the material. These atoms then vibrate at exactly the same frequency as that of the incoming light. By vibrating, these atoms immediately release that energy in the form of light, which continues smoothly on the other side of the glass. The result: light passes through almost intact, which is why we can see clearly through it. As long as the light is not absorbed or excessively scattered by internal defects, the glass remains super transparent.
Some modern glasses contain titanium dioxide, allowing glass surfaces to self-clean through the action of sunlight and rain.
Tempered glass, widely used for smartphone screens, is heated and then rapidly cooled to enhance its strength, altering its mechanical properties without compromising its transparency.
Although glass is generally transparent to visible light, it strongly absorbs ultraviolet (UV) rays, which is why you typically do not tan behind a conventional glass window.
The term 'crystal' refers to a specific type of glass enriched with lead, giving it not only a greater weight but also exceptional transparency and brilliance.
Ordinary glass generally blocks the majority of UVB rays but allows UVA rays to pass through. However, certain types of specially treated glass can block more UV rays to protect against sun exposure.
The glass has a rigid molecular structure with little flexibility. When stress is applied at a specific point, the rigidity of its structure does not allow for a uniform distribution of force, leading to rapid cracking and breaking.
Yes, there are several transparent materials that have a higher strength than ordinary glass, such as polycarbonate or special tempered glasses. These materials are designed to withstand impacts, scratches, or high pressure.
Sand is primarily composed of crystalline silicon dioxide mixed with various impurities. Its irregular structure and impurities strongly scatter light in different directions, preventing any visible transparency.
Some glasses contain impurities or additives, or exhibit molecular irregularities that partially block or scatter light, thereby reducing transparency.
0% of respondents passed this quiz completely!
Question 1/5
