Crown glass is a type of optical glass known for its low dispersion and high transparency. It is commonly used in high-quality lenses and optical instruments.
Step 1: Understanding the Properties of Crown Glass
- Crown glass is made from a mixture of silica, sodium oxide, and calcium oxide, giving it a low refractive index and low dispersion.
- It is widely used in microscope lenses, telescopes, and eyeglasses.
- Crown glass differs from flint glass, which has a higher refractive index and is used in optical prisms.
Step 2: Evaluating the Options
- Option (A) - Correct: Crown glass is primarily used as optical glass due to its excellent clarity and optical properties.
- Option (B) - Incorrect: Safety glasses are made from laminated or tempered glass, not crown glass.
- Option (C) - Incorrect: Radiation shielding glass contains lead oxide (PbO), not crown glass.
- Option (D) - Incorrect: Toughened glass is heat-treated for strength, but crown glass is not primarily toughened.
Step 3: Conclusion
Since crown glass is mainly used in optical applications, the correct answer is option (A).