Red Seal Glazier Practice Exam

What property of tempered glass makes it stronger than regular glass?

1. The thickness of the glass

2. The heat treatment process it undergoes

3. Its chemical composition

4. Its laminated structure

The correct answer is: The heat treatment process it undergoes

Tempered glass is notably stronger than regular (annealed) glass primarily due to the heat treatment process it undergoes. During this process, the glass is heated to extremely high temperatures and then rapidly cooled. This treatment increases the glass's strength through the introduction of compressive stresses on its surface, making it more resistant to impact and thermal stress. Regular glass doesn’t undergo this heat treatment and therefore lacks the significant strength and resilience that tempered glass possesses. The careful control of the heating and cooling process means that tempered glass can handle greater forces and is less likely to shatter upon impact. While thickness, chemical composition, and laminated structure play roles in the overall properties of glass, the distinctive heat treatment is what fundamentally enhances the mechanical strength of tempered glass in comparison to regular glass.