Question

Which property is imparted to glass by the addition of cerium oxide? (a) colour (b) resistance to breakage (c) increase of refractive index (d) protection from UV light

Short answer

Answer: (d) protection from UV light.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the options provided

First, let's explore each of the provided options: (a) Colour: Glass can acquire different colours when various elements are added, such as metallic oxides and other substances. (b) Resistance to breakage: The process of tempering the glass or adding specific compounds can improve its resistance to breakage. (c) Increase of refractive index: The refractive index of glass varies with the proportion of certain elements and compounds within the glass material. (d) Protection from UV light: Certain additives can help in filtering ultraviolet (UV) radiation, providing protection against harmful UV rays.

Research the effect of adding cerium oxide to glass

To determine the answer, it's important to understand the effect of cerium oxide when added to glass. Cerium oxide is a compound used in the glass industry for several purposes, and one of its primary functions is to provide protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This is due to its ability to absorb UV light, effectively filtering the harmful rays and protecting the contents within the glass container or the area behind the glass surface from UV damage.

Identify the correct answer

Based on the information regarding cerium oxide and its effects on glass, we can now determine the correct answer. The property that is imparted to glass by the addition of cerium oxide is protection from UV light. Therefore, the correct answer is: (d) protection from UV light.

Key concepts

UV Protection in Glass

Cerium oxide plays a critical role in manufacturing glass that offers protection from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. By incorporating cerium oxide into the glass-making process, manufacturers can create glass that absorbs UV light, acting as a shield to prevent these harmful rays from passing through. This is particularly important for preserving the color and integrity of objects behind the glass, such as artwork, furniture, and retail products, as well as protecting human skin from potential UV damage.

UV protection in glass is also vital for architectural applications, where large windows could expose interior spaces to significant amounts of UV light. By using cerium oxide-doped glass, architects can reduce the need for additional UV-blocking treatments or coatings, thereby maintaining the clarity and aesthetic beauty of the glass while ensuring a high level of protection.

Refractive Index of Glass

The refractive index of glass is a measure of how much light bends, or refracts, as it passes through the glass material. This property is fundamental in the design of a wide range of optical applications, such as lenses, spectacles, and scientific instruments. The refractive index is determined by the composition of the glass, which can be altered by adding different elements or compounds.

While cerium oxide's addition to glass mainly enhances UV protection, it can also affect the glass's refractive index. Changes to this property alter the way glass focuses light, impacting the performance of optical systems. Understanding the refractive index is essential for engineers and designers in creating glass products that meet specific optical requirements, balancing factors like clarity, focus, and light transmission efficiency.

Tempering Glass

The process of tempering glass involves heating it to high temperatures and then rapidly cooling it. This treatment creates a glass that is much stronger and more resistant to breakage than untreated glass. When tempered glass does break, it shatters into small, less dangerous fragments rather than large, sharp pieces.

Tempering glass is a critical safety feature for applications such as vehicle windows, shower doors, and glass used in buildings. Although the addition of cerium oxide is primarily for UV protection, the process of tempering further enhances the resistance and durability of glass. It shows how different treatments and additives can be combined to create glass with multiple beneficial properties for various practical uses.