Florida Home Inspector Practice Test

Which of the following is a property of tempered glass?

1. It shatters into sharp shards

2. It cannot be scratched

3. It is more resistant to impact

4. It is less transparent than regular glass

The correct answer is: It is more resistant to impact

Tempered glass is known for its enhanced strength and durability compared to regular glass, which is why it is more resistant to impact. The tempering process involves heating the glass to a high temperature and then cooling it rapidly, which puts the surface under compression and increases its ability to withstand stress from impacts or temperature changes. This makes it a preferred choice for safety applications, such as in shower doors, glass doors and tables, and facades. While tempered glass can be scratched, it is not immune to scratches, which differentiates it from the choice regarding scratch resistance. Additionally, tempered glass is designed to shatter in a way that reduces the risk of injury, breaking into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards. Its transparency is generally comparable to that of regular glass, and it does not significantly differ in clarity. These attributes collectively emphasize the beneficial aspect of tempered glass in construction and safety applications.