Is glass in its cooled state a solid or a liquid?

Flynn_17

Well, I would say it is a highly viscous liquid. That's why it sinks in the frames. Read this site and decide for yourself. http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/General/Glass/glass.html It's never really been proven, but by the laws of physics, it is a liquid. Up to you to decide, really. Mar 28 05, 9:44 AM

achernar

It's a solid; see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass#Does_glass_flow.3F Mar 28 05, 9:51 AM

dejavucub4

I find sites with studies that claim both solid and liquid also,for those keeping track this question altho not bieng about Oregon, I did get another "state" question in. Mar 28 05, 10:14 AM

Flynn_17

I maintain that Wikipedia sucks. Most sites I visit claim that it has its own state, much like the crystals used in calculator displays. Mar 28 05, 11:30 AM

satguru

Achernar is right, according to both answers to earlier questions and probably snopes. The ripples in old glass is from the way it was made, not movement over time. That's the likely origin of the idea, but the scientific answers I've read put that to bed. Mar 28 05, 12:25 PM

gmackematix

Whatever you think of Wikipedia, Flynn, it has listed a number of pertinent arguments and listed a number of sources with contributions by respected physicists and experts on glass in support of its argument that glass is a solid. Accept it, Flynn. The fluidity of glass is a popular myth. Mar 28 05, 5:31 PM

Flynn_17

I choose the right to accept or to not accept that glass is a fluid or not. Mar 29 05, 6:34 AM

Flynn_17

And, uh, are YOU a scientist? http://www.jimloy.com/physics/glass.htm No, no you aren't. Mar 29 05, 6:39 AM

gmackematix

Thank you. Your irrelevant questioning of my scientific credentials has been noted. Mar 29 05, 5:27 PM

Baloo55th

I was rather worried there for a moment - wondering how I'd managed to insult you. Then I realised that this was the OTHER question about glass..... Mar 29 05, 5:46 PM

peasypod

Flynn, honeybunch, how is it you know what education qualifications Gerard has or hasn't achieved? Jeepers, good thing you weren't around for my CHOATIC mishap. ;) Mar 29 05, 6:22 PM

fivestarhugh

This is hard. They have to heat the "glass" to create the shape and the cool it,so i'm gonna say Solid. Mar 29 05, 7:41 PM

Arpeggionist

Glass is an amorphous solid. If one heated up sugar until it was fluid and then let it cool, it would also become a solid and look very much like glass (but would taste much better). Mar 30 05, 2:31 AM