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In January 2020, a glass tabletop unexpectedly exploded during a steamboat meal, startling diners and highlighting how even sturdy glass structures can fail. Similarly, in May 2018, a toddler was injured when a glass shower panel shattered unexpectedly, illustrating the dangers in environments designed with safety in mind.
How Does Glass Break? The Science Behind Sudden Shattering
The Role of Thermal Shock
One of the primary causes of glass breakage is thermal shock—a sudden change in temperature that causes stress within the glass. When hot glass comes into contact with cooler liquids or air, it contracts unevenly, resulting in internal stresses that can lead to rapid failure.
Experiment Demonstration: