What is the name and formula of the compound commonly used in the manufacture of glass to increase the index of refraction?

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the compound commonly used in glass manufacturing to increase the index of refraction.

The compound used for this purpose is lead(II) oxide.

Lead(II) oxide is known to increase the density and refractive index of glass.

The chemical formula for lead(II) oxide is \( \text{PbO} \).

Therefore, the name of the compound is lead(II) oxide and its formula is \( \text{PbO} \).

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Index of Refraction

The index of refraction is a dimensionless number that describes how light propagates through a medium. It is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in the medium. A higher index indicates that light travels slower in that medium, which can enhance optical properties such as clarity and brightness in materials like glass.

Glass Manufacturing

Glass is primarily made from silica (SiO2), but various additives are included to modify its properties. These additives can include alkali metals, alumina, and other compounds that influence characteristics such as durability, melting point, and optical clarity. Understanding the role of these additives is crucial for producing glass with specific refractive indices.

Borosilicate Glass

Borosilicate glass is a type of glass that includes boron trioxide (B2O3) as an additive, which significantly increases its resistance to thermal shock and enhances its refractive index. This type of glass is commonly used in laboratory glassware and high-quality optics due to its superior properties compared to standard soda-lime glass.