An elegant formula describing the Universe

ex-martian,

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=2 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote><b>5) Glass is formally classified as a liquid in Physics.

I have never understood the FULL implications of that. Do you? Please explain!!
</b><hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote>


ANS: As far as I know it is still classified as a liquid. It has to do with the orientation of the atoms. In a liquid that orientation is not fixed and atoms move past one another (flow) such as water molecules.

While glass seems solid the atomic lattice is not in fixed crystlain structure and move or flow, albeit slowly due to extreme viscosity.

But if you ever see antique glass you will notice ripples in the glass. that isn't necessarily a production flaw, it is more likely the flow pattern of the glass. Glass is like extremely cold molasses but by structure is still a liquid.


Knowing to believe only half of what
you hear is a sign of intelligence.
Knowing which half to believe can
make you a genius.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=2 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
ANS: As far as I know it is still classified as a liquid...

But if you ever see antique glass you will notice ripples in the glass. that isn't necessarily a production flaw, it is more likely the flow pattern of the glass. Glass is like extremely cold molasses but by structure is still a liquid.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote>
Also, you may notice that antique glass mirrors are thicker on the bottom, unless the owner was very dilligent and turned the glass over every few decades.

Rahul Jain

Professional Computer Programmer
Amateur Theoretical Physicist

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=2 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Also, you may notice that antique glass mirrors are thicker on the bottom, unless the owner was very dilligent and turned the glass over every few decades.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote>

It is my understanding that this is a scientific urban legend. Glass does flow but you would have to live for a million years to notice much change. Ancient glass is the way it is because of the method of manufacture and I have never seen pictures of someone on an old cathedral popping out the glass and turning it around.