Free Essays on Chinese Porcelain

Porcelain is a type of ceramics highly valued for its beauty and strength. It is often called china, or chinaware, because it was first made in China. Porcelain is characterized by whiteness, a delicate appearance, and translucence (ability to let light through). Because it is the hardest ceramic product, porcelain is used for electrical insulators and laboratory equipment. However, porcelain is known primarily as a material for high-quality vases and tableware, as well as for figurines and other decorative objects. The type of porcelain that is used for such purposes produces a bell-like ring when struck. Porcelain differs from other types of ceramics in its ingredients and in the process by which it is produced. Two common types of ceramicsearthenware and stonewareare made from a single natural clay, which is then fired (baked). In many cases, the object is coated with a glassy substance called glaze. Firing at a low temperature produces earthenware, a porous material. Earthenware can be made waterproof by glazing. Firing at a high temperature produces stoneware, a hard, heavy material. Stoneware is nonporous without glazing. Unlike earthenware and stoneware, porcelain is basically made from a mixture of two ingredientskaolin and petuntse. Kaolin is a pure white clay that forms when the mineral feldspar breaks down. Petuntse is a type of feldspar found only in China. It is ground to a fine powder and mixed with kaolin. This mixture is fired at temperatures from about 2280 _F (1250 _C) to 2640 _F (1450 _C). At these extreme temperatures, the petuntse vitrifiesthat is, it melts together and forms a nonporous, natural glass. The kaolin, which is highly resistant to heat, does not melt and therefore allows the item to hold its shape. The process is complete when the petuntse fuses itself to the kaolin. Kinds of porcelain There are three main kinds of porcelain: (1) hard-paste porcelain, (2) soft-paste porcelain, and ... Free Essays on Chinese Porcelain Free Essays on Chinese Porcelain Porcelain is a type of ceramics highly valued for its beauty and strength. It is often called china, or chinaware, because it was first made in China. Porcelain is characterized by whiteness, a delicate appearance, and translucence (ability to let light through). Because it is the hardest ceramic product, porcelain is used for electrical insulators and laboratory equipment. However, porcelain is known primarily as a material for high-quality vases and tableware, as well as for figurines and other decorative objects. The type of porcelain that is used for such purposes produces a bell-like ring when struck. Porcelain differs from other types of ceramics in its ingredients and in the process by which it is produced. Two common types of ceramicsearthenware and stonewareare made from a single natural clay, which is then fired (baked). In many cases, the object is coated with a glassy substance called glaze. Firing at a low temperature produces earthenware, a porous material. Earthenware can be made waterproof by glazing. Firing at a high temperature produces stoneware, a hard, heavy material. Stoneware is nonporous without glazing. Unlike earthenware and stoneware, porcelain is basically made from a mixture of two ingredientskaolin and petuntse. Kaolin is a pure white clay that forms when the mineral feldspar breaks down. Petuntse is a type of feldspar found only in China. It is ground to a fine powder and mixed with kaolin. This mixture is fired at temperatures from about 2280 _F (1250 _C) to 2640 _F (1450 _C). At these extreme temperatures, the petuntse vitrifiesthat is, it melts together and forms a nonporous, natural glass. The kaolin, which is highly resistant to heat, does not melt and therefore allows the item to hold its shape. The process is complete when the petuntse fuses itself to the kaolin. Kinds of porcelain There are three main kinds of porcelain: (1) hard-paste porcelain, (2) soft-paste porcelain, and ...

How to End a Sentence (A Guide to Terminal Punctuation)

How to End a Sentence (A Guide to Terminal Punctuation) How to End a Sentence (A Guide to Terminal Punctuation) Punctuation marks that can be used to end a sentence are known as a â€Å"terminal† punctuation. But what exactly are your options in this respect? Check out our guide to terminal punctuation to find out. The Period The period (sometimes also known as a â€Å"full stop†) is the most common type of terminal punctuation. They are used for any sentences that are not questions or exclamations. For instance: Brevity is the soul of wit. This finality is why people say â€Å"period† at the end of a sentence to emphasize a point. Furthermore, we see the same punctuation mark used for: Decimal points (e.g., 3.1415) Abbreviations (e.g., â€Å"Prof.† or â€Å"Dr.†) Ellipses (i.e., a series of three dots used to indicate an omission [†¦]) The period is therefore very versatile! Technically, however, it only counts as â€Å"terminal punctuation† when used at the end of a sentence. The Question Mark We use question marks to show that a written sentence is a question. This only applies, however, when asking a direct question. For an indirect question (i.e., a question within a statement), we use a period instead: Direct Question: Is brevity the soul of wit? Indirect Question: He asked me whether brevity is the soul of wit. Finally, you can use either a period or a question mark after a rhetorical question. Make sure to apply punctuation consistently if you ask more than one rhetorical question in a document, though. The Exclamation Point Exclamation points are the most enthusiastic punctuation marks. We use them when we want to show that something is surprising or exciting, or to express strong emotions in general: Help! My writing lacks brevity and therefore wit! Here, for example, the exclamation marks indicate urgency (or possible panic). You can also use an exclamation point in fictional dialogue to show that a character is shouting or speaking loudly. â€Å"How witty!† Tim whooped in excitement. Keep in mind, though, that exclamation points lose their impact if overused. They are therefore best used sparingly, and you may want to avoid them completely in formal or academic writing. Summary: What Is Terminal Punctuation? Terminal punctuation indicates the end of a sentence. These marks include: Periods – Used for any sentence that is not a question or exclamation Question marks – Used to indicate a direct question Exclamation points – Used to express surprise or strong feelings If you need help with the punctuation in your writing, check out our services. Terminal punctuation marks.