![]() ![]() The overall structure of glass leads it to have some inherent fragility. The process used to create glass places stress on the material right from the get-go. Unique properties of glass and the fact that it is relatively inexpensive have led it to be one of the most commonly used materials in the world. The most common chemical change in glass is seen when it’s dyed a particular color or when it is further strengthened or combined to create materials like fiberglass. The creation of glass itself (when added with certain compounds) leads it to undergo a chemical change. Yes, glass can go through chemical changes. This further signifies that glass breaking is indeed a physical change and is not chemical in nature. To further bring our point home, I’m going to be highlighting a few phenomenons that occur when a chemical change takes place:įrom these events mentioned above, glass breaking does not lead to any of them. Signs That a Chemical Change Has Taken Place If a material, through whatever change, shares the above-mentioned traits but appears physically different, then, it can only be considered as a physical change. While yes, shards may seem like they are different in comparison to a glass jar, they share the same chemical properties.įor instance, they share the following characteristics: Glass breaking is not a chemical change because no new compounds or molecules have been created throughout the entire process. Why Is Glass Breaking Not a Chemical Change? This is untrue as changing glass back to its original form is a simple process of melting the glass and molding it back to its original structure. Ultimately, many may be left with the notion that glass breaking is an irreversible change and therefore falls under the umbrella of chemical changes. This is because it requires a staggering amount of resources, a lesser amount of which can be used to create new glass from scratch. Rather, it is a testament to the fact that while some procedures are scientifically possible, utilizing them in the practical world, in this case, reusing glass, is relatively ineffective. So, contrary to popular belief, glass breaking does not contradict the notion that physical changes are not reversible. Using some particular compounds can help aid speed the process or refine it, glass can still be remade without it. Since the change inherently was inherently physical, bringing glass back also requires a physical reaction, and not a chemical one. However, when molten, under specific circumstances, glass can be brought back to its original shape and form without any chemical reaction. Plus, shards of glass can be harmful to handlers as they’re quite minute and are hard to pick apart. While recyclers tend to not accept broken glass and dispose of it instead, the reason why is not because of the fact that it isn’t impossible, but simply because it takes a lot of time and resources. ![]() Yes, glass breaking is a reversible process. However, yes, practically speaking breaking glass is considered an irreversible process. ![]() When we’re able to enact change on material and reverse it, even on a theoretical level, it remains a physical change. Moreover, in terms of the space it occupies, we still can theoretically pick up every shard of glass, melt it down and then create a new piece of glass with exactly the same weight and shape. However, there is no chemical change between the instance where the glass was whole compared to the now bits and pieces. When glass breaks, it shatters into smaller shards and pieces. On the other hand, burning a piece of paper, for instance, leads to a chemical reaction which in turn, produces black ash that cannot be converted back into paper. For example, water turning into steam or ice is a physical change as the molecules that make up water remain the same. Difference between Physical and Chemical ChangesĪ physical change is one wherein the physical composition of a material is changed but it chemically remains the same.What Is a Chemical and Physical Change?.Can Glass Go Through a Chemical Change?.Signs That a Chemical Change Has Taken Place.Why Is Glass Breaking Not a Chemical Change?.Is Glass Breaking A Reversible Process?.Why Is Glass Breaking a Physical Change?. ![]()
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