Prince Rupert’s Exploding Teardrops (video)

March 3rd, 2008

The next item I’d like to add to my cabinet of scientific curiosities (currently housing a formicarium, solar mill and model skeleton) is definitely a few Dutch Tears – also known as Prince Rupert’s Drops. Allegedly introduced to the court of Charles I by their namesake, these are small tear-drop shaped lumps of glass with incredible properties. Produced by dripping molten glass into cold water, the drops are incredibly strong at the round end – strong enough to withstand being hit with a hammer. However, the slightest damage to the long tail will make the entire glass drop explode. What’s the secret? These drops are an example of tempered glass – the rapid cooling produces an outer layer under great tension, and an inner layer under great compression. One small crack is all it takes to release the energy.

The same principal allows you to shatter a car window with a tiny fragment of porcelain.

Entry Filed under: Awesome Science Videos