Glass is a material that defies simple categorization as a liquid, solid, or gas. While it has some liquid-like properties, it doesn't flow much at all. Scientists are still trying to understand the fundamental nature of glass and why it is solid. Glass is essentially a liquid that cools too quickly for crystals to form, resulting in a chaotic, amorphous structure. The lack of a complete theory of glass makes it difficult to predict its properties and engineer new types of glass. Scientists are also intrigued by the possibility of an "ideal" glass, which would represent a new phase of matter. Understanding glass better could lead to advancements in various fields, from engineering bendable smartphone screens to developing materials for nuclear waste storage.
The debate over whether glass is a liquid or a solid continues, but scientists explain that glass is a distinct state of matter that exhibits properties of both. Glass is a noncrystalline, nonequilibrium material that appears solid on a short timescale but continuously relaxes towards a liquid state. It is made by melting various components to form a viscous liquid, which is then cooled quickly, trapping the atoms in a disordered arrangement. While glass may exhibit slow changes over billions of years, it behaves more like a solid than a liquid on practical timescales. The belief that medieval stained-glass windows are thicker at the bottom due to glass flowing over time is debunked, with the explanation being that glass manufacturing techniques at the time resulted in uneven thickness.
Swallowing pills can be difficult for nearly 40% of people, but there are techniques to make it easier. For tablets, try the pop-bottle method, and for capsules, lean forward while swallowing. Changing the size, texture, taste, or smell of the pill may also help. Drinking enough water is crucial, and swallowing aids like throat sprays or special cups can be useful. If you have constant trouble swallowing pills or food, talk to your physician about potential health conditions. Fear and anxiety about taking pills can be addressed with cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure exercises.
Researchers from Michigan State University have discovered a liquid with piezoelectric characteristics, which could be used to create electrically controlled optics or even a new field of piezo-hydraulics. The liquid was discovered when working with a pair of ionic liquid salts that hold their liquid state at room temperature. Prior to this discovery, it was believed that piezoelectric materials were only crystalline and lacked inversion symmetry. The discovery will likely require some modification of current solid-state piezoelectric theory and the liquids are more environmentally friendly than solid-state piezoelectric materials.
