Reattaching Broken Glasses: Exploring the Science of Atom Bonding

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In summary, atoms do not break easily, but when glasses break, the atoms are rearranged. It is difficult to attach broken glasses without reheating them because of the air gap and imperfect alignment. Reheating and melting the pieces creates new molecular bonds, rather than reattaching the original connections. Additionally, instructing atoms to reattach is not feasible as they will simply behave according to their natural tendencies, rather than remembering their previous positions.
  • #1
Blue Scallop
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atoms don't break.. so when glasses break.. the atoms are only rearrange.. so how do you attach broken glasses without reheating them (which I guess makes the atoms bond).. can't you just instruct the atoms in the edge of the broken glasses to reattach? What would it take to do that?
 
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  • #2
Blue Scallop said:
atoms don't break
Not true. They break pretty easily in accelerators
.. so when glasses break.. the atoms are only rearrange.. so how do you attach broken glasses without reheating them (which I guess makes the atoms bond).. can't you just instruct the atoms in the edge of the broken glasses to reattach? What would it take to do that?
One problem is the layer of air that you have in the gap. The atoms/molecules don't quite match up. Another is that you are not going to get perfect alignment when you try to put two pieces back together. When you reheat and melt the pieces back together, you are NOT reattaching the original connections, you are making the molecular bonds plastic and getting a whole new set of connections when the glass goes back to a solid state.
 
  • #3
Blue Scallop said:
can't you just instruct the atoms

Instructing atoms is even harder than instructing crackpots. The atoms on the newly formed surfaces will do whatever they are going to do - not remember that they are "supposed" to remain in place so they can be reattatched.
 

Related to Reattaching Broken Glasses: Exploring the Science of Atom Bonding

1. How do atoms bond together to repair broken glasses?

Atoms bond together through the sharing or transfer of electrons. In the case of broken glasses, the atoms in the broken pieces will form new bonds with each other, creating a strong connection and repairing the glasses.

2. What type of bond is formed between the atoms in broken glasses?

The type of bond formed between atoms in broken glasses is a covalent bond. This is a strong bond where electrons are shared between atoms, resulting in a stable and strong connection.

3. How does the strength of the bond affect the repair of broken glasses?

The strength of the bond directly affects the repair of broken glasses. A strong bond, such as a covalent bond, will result in a more secure and long-lasting repair. Weaker bonds, such as hydrogen bonds, may not provide enough strength to hold the broken pieces together.

4. Can broken glasses be repaired multiple times using atom bonding?

Yes, broken glasses can be repaired multiple times using atom bonding. As long as the atoms are able to form new bonds with each other, the glasses can be repaired. However, repeated repairs may weaken the overall structure of the glasses.

5. Are there any other factors that can affect the success of repairing broken glasses using atom bonding?

Yes, there are other factors that can affect the success of repairing broken glasses using atom bonding. These include the type of material the glasses are made of, the temperature and pressure during the bonding process, and the precision and alignment of the broken pieces. These factors can all impact the strength and stability of the repaired glasses.

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