Why does a piece of glass stick to another piece of glass?

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In summary, during a school demonstration, two pieces of identical highly-polished glass were stuck together for a brief moment. This is due to friction between the glass surfaces and has nothing to do with air pressure. The demonstration was about "Over Polished" substances, but no equations were involved. A similar effect can be observed with a sucker-tipped arrow sticking to a target, where atmospheric pressure plays a role in the force exerted. However, in the case of two pieces of highly-polished glass, the amount of atmosphere between them is negligible.
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AirHendrix
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Homework Statement


What does a piece of glass stick to another piece of glass? We conducted a demo in school where we stuck to pieces of identical see-through glass on top of each other and they stuck together for a second or two.


Homework Equations


None whatsoever other than it was about "Over Polished" Substances


The Attempt at a Solution


It sticks due to their friction
 
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  • #2
Air pressure would have nothing to do with it?
 
  • #3
^ I'm sorry... Its just that its been two weeks since that lecture and he told us just to watch it... It was a lab demo of Over Polished substances...
 
  • #4
Sorry to ask but is it air pressure?
 
  • #5
Why does a sucker-tipped arrow stick to a target?
 
  • #6
Draw a free-body diagram and indicate where atmospheric pressure exerts forces. How much "atmosphere" exists between two pieces of identical highly-polished pieces of glass?
 

1. Why do two pieces of glass stick together?

Two pieces of glass stick together because of a phenomenon called adhesion. This occurs when the molecules of one surface are attracted to the molecules of another surface, causing them to stick together.

2. What causes glass to stick to other materials?

Glass is a non-porous material, meaning it has a very smooth surface that does not allow for air or water to pass through. This smooth surface allows for strong adhesion between glass and other materials, such as other pieces of glass or even metal.

3. Can the temperature affect the stickiness of glass?

Yes, temperature can affect the stickiness of glass. As glass is heated, the molecules become more active, making it easier for the glass to stick to other surfaces. On the other hand, if glass is cooled, the molecules become less active and it may be more difficult for the glass to stick to other materials.

4. Does the type of glass matter in adhesion?

Yes, the type of glass does matter in adhesion. Different types of glass have different surface properties, such as roughness and chemical composition, which can affect the strength of adhesion between two pieces of glass.

5. How can I prevent glass from sticking to other glass?

To prevent glass from sticking to other glass, you can use a lubricant, such as oil or water, to create a barrier between the two surfaces. You can also try using a non-stick coating, such as silicone spray, on the surface of the glass. Additionally, keeping the glass surfaces clean and dry can also help prevent strong adhesion.

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