Re: Pyrex "Explosion" Conserves Energy?

[Larry Cartwright <exit60@IA4U.NET>]

William Beaty wrote:
> Isn't there a lecture demo where a "Prince Rupert's Drop" is touched
> to corundum powder to trigger its shattering?

You are probably thinking of the "Bologna bottle"(PIRA 1R20.60), which
is a thick-walled glass bottle that has been formed in such a way that
its interior is under great stress.  You can drive nails into wood using
the outside of the bottle as a hammer, but dropping a tiny chunk of
carborundum inside the bottle will nick or scratch the surface and cause
the bottle to shatter.

"Prince Rupert drops"(PIRA 1R20.70) are little teardrop-shaped pieces of
glass that are stressed in such a way that you can hit the wider end
with a hammer and not break the glass.  But breaking the narrow "tip"
causes the entire piece of glass to shatter.

Best wishes,

Larry
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Larry Cartwright  <exit60@ia4u.net>
Physics and Physical Science Teacher
Charlotte HS, Charlotte MI USA
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