Page 17 - The Science of Glass

Glass and Scientific Exploration

Glass can be a perfect lab partner for scientists. Many experiments cannot
be done without glass. Glass has many properties that make it suitable
for science.

First, it is nonporous. It does not absorb or change most substances it
touches. Second, glass is transparent. Scientists can see clearly through it.
Glass can also be formed into different shapes. A scientist can design a glass
container to fit an experiment. Some glass is made to be heat resistant. It
won’t melt when exposed to heat. It won’t expand with heat either. It can
withstand extremely high temperatures. Finally, glass can be reusable. A test
tube can be cleaned and used again. When scientists are done with it, glass
can be recycled. It is good for the environment.

A scientist prepares
to heat a chemical in
a glass beaker.

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