How does glass typically react under fire conditions when cold water is applied?

When glass is subjected to intense heat during a fire, it undergoes thermal expansion. If cold water is then applied to the hot glass, the rapid temperature change can result in thermal stress. This stress may lead to cracking, as the surface cools and contracts more quickly than the interior of the glass, which is still hot. The difference in temperature and the resulting rapid contraction creates stress points that can cause the glass to crack.

In contrast, the other outcomes—immediate shattering, remaining unchanged, or bending without breaking—are less likely under typical fire conditions with a sudden temperature differential. Immediate shattering would suggest an extreme temperature disparity, which is rare in practical scenarios involving water application. Remaining unchanged would not account for the effects of thermal shock that occur with the introduction of cold water to hot glass. Likewise, while some glass types may bend under extreme heats, typical fire conditions would more likely lead to cracking rather than bending without breaking.