Is glass a liquid or a solid? - faheem famelab entry 2009

[fpadia]

@Shkaboinka are you sure about that? How exactly are "glass" molecules bonded?

[Shkaboinka]

Glass is an amorphous solid, which means that the molecules do not follow a pattern (among other properties). However, this is different from the starch and marble example, as the molecules ARE bonded. Glass being a liquid is a common misconception. See "Glass versus supercooled liquid" on wikipedia

[fpadia]

different glasses are made of different things. the composition of any particular glass will change its apparent properties.

but... Glasses are a kind of meta-material i.e. they dont confrom to a single phase. I think I mention it in the video. If you look at the molecular structure of a glass it will look like a liquid, but in terms of its physical properties it will behave like a solid. Thus the lack of deformation.

[pranachimana]

If glass is supposedly a liquid. Then why do these ancient glass vases show no evidence of deformation? watch?v=6c-DI-edk3Q Seems like gravity doesn't effect this liquid... LOL

[Thewaterofthepool]

@pranachimana Maybe they WILL eventually be affected by gravity, but it would take a heck of a long time when you think about it. e__e too bad we die in 2012

[pranachimana]

@Thewaterofthepool They won't... because glass is a crystal... and crystals are solid.. last time i checked.. you can't check the mohs hardness of a liquid.

[Thewaterofthepool]

@pranachimana Well, the structure of a glass isn't as organized as a crystal's

[fpadia]

yes, theoretically 'an immortal guy' could pass through a pane of glass if he tried for long enough. But not because of the liquid properties of glass but because of quantum probabilities. more interestingly, 'an immortal guy' could pass through a brick wall if he tried long enough for the same reason!

but honestly, youd have to be pretty damn boring to try to move through a pane of glass or a brick wall!

[Thewaterofthepool]

@fpadia When I was little I sweared I walked through a wall by pushing it... I was so convinced I did it. I still am :P

[Xspy70]

@fpadia about 10 or more years of trying should change the glass shape. To pass, well, thats just long.

[EPICGUYDUDE]

IF glass WAS a liquid, then isnt is if, a immortal guy, kept squeezing himself in a glass panel, isnt it he will pass through it eventually?

[Lospesitoss]

you are waay right i was trying to prove my dad,that but he didnt bealeve me ¬¬ thanks