Final Answer:
Opera singers can break glass through a phenomenon known as resonance. When the singer's voice matches the natural frequency of the glass, the amplitude of the sound waves increases, causing the glass to vibrate at its resonant frequency and eventually shatter.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability of opera singers to break glass is rooted in the principle of resonance. Every object has a natural frequency at which it vibrates most easily. When an external force, in this case, the powerful voice of an opera singer, matches the natural frequency of the glass, resonance occurs. Resonance is a phenomenon where an object vibrates at its natural frequency, amplifying the sound waves. In the case of glass breaking, this amplification can lead to the glass reaching a point of structural instability, causing it to shatter.
The key to breaking glass with the human voice lies in finding the resonant frequency of the glass. Opera singers, often possessing powerful and well-trained voices, can produce a sustained, powerful sound. When the frequency of this sound matches the natural frequency of the glass, the amplitude of the vibrations increases. This increased amplitude pushes the glass beyond its structural integrity, resulting in its fracture. It's important to note that the glass must be of a specific thickness and quality for this resonance phenomenon to occur.
In conclusion, the shattering of glass by opera singers is a captivating example of physics in action, specifically the concept of resonance. The singer's ability to match the resonant frequency of the glass with their voice causes a buildup of energy, eventually leading to the glass breaking due to the amplified vibrations. This phenomenon showcases the delicate interplay between sound, frequency, and the physical properties of materials.