Final answer:
A large gap between energy levels in glass prevents electrons from easily moving to higher energy levels, resulting in transparency as light passes through without being absorbed. According to the video Ceramics: The Secret Life of Materials, a large gap between energy levels that causes electrons to not promote to the next shell as easily is the reason that glass is transparent
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the video Ceramics: The Secret Life of Materials, a large gap between energy levels that causes electrons to not promote to the next shell as easily is the reason that glass is transparent.
This is because in materials like glass, the electrons are bound tightly within the structure, preventing them from moving freely.
As a consequence, they do not absorb visible light, allowing the light to pass through, which makes the material appear transparent.
Furthermore, glass is an amorphous solid, which means it has been cooled too quickly to form ordered crystals, contributing to its transparency.
Materials such as glass are excellent insulators because their electrons and ions are bound in the structure and cannot move easily, which is in stark contrast with conductors where charges can move more freely.
This insulating property is due to the fact that in glass, and specifically silica-based glasses like window panes and containers, the atomic arrangement does not allow for easy transition of electrons between energy levels.
As a result, there's minimal interaction with the electrical field, reinforcing its role as an insulator. Glass's characteristics, such as low coefficient of expansion and resistance to fracturing from rapid temperature changes, also signify its unique molecular structure and the resulting physical properties.
Additionally, certain types of glass like aluminosilicate are known for their thermal resistance and durability, which are properties highly regarded in the production of specialized equipment and cookware, reinforcing the material's versatility and usefulness in various applications.
According to the video Ceramics: The Secret Life of Materials, a large gap between energy levels that causes electrons to not promote to the next shell as easily is the reason that glass is transparent