What characterizes tempered glass in comparison to standard glass?

Tempered glass is specifically treated through a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling, which strengthens its structure significantly compared to standard glass. This process results in tempered glass being much more resistant to breakage and impact, making it a safer choice for various applications, such as in buildings and vehicles. When broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces, reducing the risk of injury.

Standard glass lacks this treatment, rendering it more prone to shattering under stress or impact, which is a crucial distinction. Thus, the enhanced breakage resistance of tempered glass is a key characteristic that sets it apart from regular glass, providing additional safety and durability in its applications.