Practice question · Multiple choice
A kiln firing is defined as an entire schedule rather than reaching a single peak temperature. What practical consequence follows from this distinction when managing the final stages of a firing?
Hints
- What physical process happens to ceramic materials during a soak near the top of the schedule?
- How does heat work differ from a momentary thermometer reading?
Show the answer
B. Holding top heat allows glazes to mature via cumulative heat work
Why
Peak temperature alone does not mature ceramic ware; material transformation depends on heat work accumulated over time. Cones track this combined effect of duration and heat, whereas holding indefinitely over-fires ware or causes defects rather than preventing thermal shock.
Practise Firing
The app has 4 more questions on this lesson, and keeps your place in the course. Sculpture I is free to start.
More questions on Firing
- Why do pyrometric cones remain in use alongside electronic temperature control?
- Which are true of quartz inversion at about 573 degrees?
- The same glaze recipe produces the same colour regardless of kiln atmosphere.
- Sort each statement by whether it concerns the BISQUE firing or the GLAZE firing.
- Complete the account of firing.
- At approximately what temperature, in degrees Celsius, does quartz inversion occur?
- Match each firing atmosphere or concept to what it means.
- Arrange the stages of a firing schedule in order.
- A body bisque-fired too high may fail to absorb glaze properly.