Describe the differences between vitreous silica and soda-lime glass. What are some advantages and disadvantages of each of these types of glass?

The basic difference between vitreous silica and soda-lime glass is in its chemical composition and each having its own advantages and disadvantages.

Explanation:

Vitreous silica is made from silica alone which is converted to glass whereas, soda lime glass in addition to silica (70%) also consists of sodium dioxide (15%) and calcium oxide (9%) along with certain other compounds. If we talk about the advantages of these two glasses, then soda-lime glass is inexpensive, extremely workable and commonly used for commodity items, window panes, bottles and jars. And its disadvantage could be not resistant to high temperatures and cracks under thermal shocks. If we talk about the advantages of vitreous silica than it is able to withstand high temperatures and chemical erosion and ultraviolet transparency. To state about its disadvantages it is quite an expensive glass making its use restricted.