ANS:D - Glass

Glass is a non-crystalline, amorphous solid material that is typically transparent or translucent. It is primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), although other compounds can be added to modify its properties. Glass is formed by cooling a molten mixture of silica sand, soda ash, and limestone, which is then shaped into various products through processes such as blowing, casting, or pressing. The absence of a regular, repeating atomic structure distinguishes glass from crystalline materials like metals and minerals. Instead, the atoms in glass are arranged randomly, similar to the disordered structure of a liquid. This lack of long-range order results in unique properties such as transparency, brittleness, and the absence of cleavage planes. Glass has a wide range of applications due to its versatility and desirable properties. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of windows, bottles, containers, tableware, optical lenses, and electronic devices. Additionally, specialized types of glass can be engineered to exhibit specific properties such as thermal insulation, chemical resistance, or strength, making it suitable for applications in architecture, automotive engineering, and scientific research.