The Incredible World of Glass: Exploring Borosilicate and Quartz

TLDRIn this video, we delve into the fascinating properties of borosilicate and quartz glass, used in chemical apparatus and high-temperature applications respectively. We witness a glassblower's demonstration of the differences between the two types of glass. Borosilicate glass cracks due to thermal strain when plunged into cold water, while quartz glass remains intact. Quartz is more robust but harder to manufacture, making it more expensive than borosilicate, which is used for intricate apparatus. However, for high-temperature applications, quartz is preferred for its durability.

Key insights

🥁Borosilicate glass cracks due to thermal strain when rapidly cooled, while quartz glass remains intact.

💧Quartz glass has a smaller coefficient of expansion and can be heated to higher temperatures than borosilicate glass.

🔥The orange glow observed during heating is caused by the evaporation of sodium from the borosilicate glass.

💨Quartz glass is more difficult to manufacture and hence more expensive than borosilicate glass.

🚩While borosilicate glass is commonly used for intricate apparatus, quartz glass is preferred for high-temperature applications.

Q&A

Why does borosilicate glass crack when plunged into water?

—The thermal strain caused by the rapid temperature change between the hot glass and cold water leads to cracks in borosilicate glass.

What is the main difference between borosilicate and quartz glass?

—Borosilicate glass is commonly used for intricate apparatus and has a higher coefficient of expansion compared to quartz glass. Quartz glass, on the other hand, can withstand higher temperatures.

Why is quartz glass more expensive than borosilicate glass?

—Quartz glass is more difficult to manufacture, requiring specialized processes and equipment, which contributes to its higher cost compared to borosilicate glass.

Can borosilicate glass be used for high-temperature applications?

—While borosilicate glass is suitable for many laboratory applications, it has limitations when exposed to extremely high temperatures. For such applications, quartz glass is preferred due to its superior heat resistance.

Why is borosilicate glass preferred for intricate apparatus?

—Borosilicate glass is easier to work with and allows for the creation of complex and intricate designs, making it ideal for scientific glassware and apparatus.

Timestamped Summary

00:00In this video, we explore the properties of borosilicate and quartz glass.

00:13A glassblower demonstrates the differences by heating and plunging the glass into water.

01:30The thermal gradient between the hot glass and cold water causes cracks in borosilicate glass.

05:08Quartz glass has a smaller coefficient of expansion and can withstand higher temperatures.

06:40Quartz glass is more difficult and expensive to manufacture compared to borosilicate glass.

08:50The use of quartz glass is preferred for high-temperature applications.

09:16Witness the beauty and intricacy of glassblowing.

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