Glass shatters because its rigid, non-crystalline molecular structure cannot absorb and redistribute impact energy through deformation like metals or plastics. When stress exceeds the material’s tensile strength, microscopic surface flaws (Griffith flaws) become failure points where cracks initiate and propagate rapidly through the material at speeds approaching 3,000 mph. Standard annealed glass breaks into large, dangerous shards because stress distributes unevenly, while tempered glass—intentionally pre-stressed during manufacturing—breaks into small, relatively harmless pieces. Factors affecting glass breakage include thermal shock (rapid temperature changes), impact force, edge quality, installation methods, and glass thickness. Understanding these properties helps in selecting appropriate glass types for specific applications to minimize breakage risk.
