Question

What is the chemical formula of soft glass?

Answer 1

There are generally two types of glasses such as soft glass and hard glass. Soft glass is also referred to as soda-lime glass and hard glass is generally referred to as borosilicate glass. Based on the name we can get an idea of the main constituents of a soft glass and its chemical properties. There are some useful applications of soft glass.

Complete answer:
We know that glasses are generally transparent and amorphous solids. They are not crystalline in nature. Glass is often formed by rapid cooling or quenching of the molten form and some glasses like the volcanic glass occur naturally.
Now, there are generally two types of glasses such as soft glass and hard glass. Soft glass is also referred to as soda-lime glass and hard glass is generally referred to as borosilicate glass.
So, based on the name soda-lime glass, we can determine its constituents. Hence, the soft glass consists of soda (known as sodium oxide) and silica (silicon dioxide) and lime (calcium dioxide).
Now, we will see the constituents of soft glass according to their percentage:
Soda (known as sodium oxide): $15\%$
Silica (silicon dioxide): $70\%$
Lime (calcium dioxide): $9\%$
Hence, the chemical formula of soft glass is: $N{a_2}O.CaO.6Si{O_2}.$

Note:
The soda-lime glass is not expensive and has high chemical stability. It is reasonably hard in nature. It is capable of being softened many times. So, due to these properties soft glass has many useful applications in manufacturing of glass products, window panes, bottles, light bulbs and many more.