According to the provided reference, a mirror is hard.
Detailed Analysis of Mirror Properties
The reference text classifies materials based on various physical properties. Here's how a mirror is described in comparison to other materials:
- Hardness: The reference specifically states that a mirror "is hard." This distinguishes it from materials like paper, which are described as "not that hard neither too soft."
- Luster: Mirrors are characterized by their "lustre," meaning they are shiny or reflective.
- Opacity: Mirrors are "opaque," which means that light cannot pass through them.
- Solubility: Mirrors are "insoluble in water," meaning they do not dissolve in water.
Comparison with Paper
The reference contrasts mirrors with paper:
- Paper is described as "non-lustures" (not shiny).
- Paper is "not that hard neither too soft," a point that reinforces that mirrors are explicitly described as hard.
- Paper is "partial," which seems to refer to its translucence or semi-opacity.
- Powdered paper is described as dissolving in water, unlike mirrors.
Summary of Mirror Characteristics
Here’s a summary table highlighting key properties mentioned in the reference:
| Property | Mirror | Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | Hard | Not very hard |
| Luster | Lustrous | Non-lustrous |
| Opacity | Opaque | Partial |
| Solubility | Insoluble | Soluble |
Conclusion
Based on the information provided, the answer to the question "Is mirror hard or soft?" is that a mirror is hard. This is a defined property in the reference, distinguishing it from other materials like paper.
