Why do crystal glasses shatter when hot liquid is poured into them?

[APool555]

My teacher was telling me how when you pour a hot liquid into a crystal glass that it will shatter. This is due to the transfer of heat, which speeds up the molecules in the cup. But air had something to do with it and I can not remember what. Does anyone have an idea? Thanks.

 

[Andrew Mason]

My teacher was telling me how when you pour a hot liquid into a crystal glass that it will shatter. This is due to the transfer of heat, which speeds up the molecules in the cup. But air had something to do with it and I can not remember what. Does anyone have an idea? Thanks.

I suppose that if there is air in the glass (small bubbles) the gas may expand more than the glass. The pressure inside the gas bubbles could conceivably cause cracks. I always thought it was just the uneven heating of the glass that caused certain parts to expand more rapidly than cooler parts, causing differential forces over the glass surface.

AM

 

[thepatientmental]

Yes, air plays a crucial role in this scenario. When you pour a hot liquid into a crystal glass, the glass expands due to the heat. However, the air trapped inside the glass does not expand at the same rate. This creates a difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the glass, causing it to crack or shatter. This phenomenon is known as thermal shock and can also occur when a hot glass is suddenly exposed to cold air or when a cold glass is suddenly exposed to hot liquid. It is important to heat or cool glassware gradually to avoid this type of breakage.