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Why is glass transparent? - Mark Miodownik

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  • 6,969 Questions Answered
  • TEDEd Animation

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If you look through your glasses, binoculars or a window, you see the world on the other side. How is it that something so solid can be so invisible? Mark Miodownik melts the scientific secret behind amorphous solids.


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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Mark Miodownik
  • Director Iuri Araújo, Guilherme Araújo
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
Additional Resources for you to Explore
See Mark's book, Stuff Matters.
Now you know a little about why glass is transparent, but have you ever asked yourself "What color is a mirror?" Learn more here.
Ever wonder how glass is made? Check it out here.
Technically, that glass used to make your car and home windows block the rays that cause burn, but not the rays that lead to skin damage and cancer. So, you cannot get a tan, but you can get freckles. Learn more about skin care and health here. Also, see myth #3.
1 Guided Discussion
6 Open Discussions
TED-Ed
Lesson Creator
New York, NY

Customize This Lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Mark Miodownik
  • Director Iuri Araújo, Guilherme Araújo
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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