Why medieval windows are thicker at the bottom than the top
In short: The common belief that glass flows like a liquid over centuries is a persistent myth. This video explores the actual physics of glass and why it behaves the way it does.
The idea that glass is a liquid stems from observing medieval stained-glass windows, which often appear thicker at the base. While some suggest this is due to glass flowing downward over hundreds of years, scientists argue that glass is a solid.
Instead of a simple liquid or solid, glass is often classified as an amorphous solid or a supercooled liquid. This means it lacks the long-range atomic order of a crystal, yet it does not possess the fluidity of a typical liquid.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Is Glass a Liquid?
- Also: Is glass a liquid or a solid?
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