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TED-Ed

Why is glass transparent? - Mark Miodownik

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8,103 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.

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.

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Meet The Creators

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

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