Texes Art EC-12 Practice Exam

How does low heat affect earthenware?

1. It becomes impermeable

2. It remains porous

3. It is strengthened

4. It is melted

The correct answer is: It remains porous

Earthenware is a type of ceramic made from natural clay and fired at relatively low temperatures, typically between 1,830°F and 2,400°F. When earthenware is subjected to low heat, it does not undergo any significant transformations that would alter its porous nature. Instead, it retains its characteristic porosity, which means it is not fully vitrified and remains permeable to water and other liquids. This quality can make earthenware suitable for various uses where a breathable material is desired, such as in certain types of pottery or architectural elements. The low firing temperature prevents the clay particles from completely fusing together, which is what would happen in a high-temperature firing that could lead to a less porous or even impermeable surface. Thus, the answer reflecting that earthenware remains porous under low heat is accurate, capturing the core characteristics of the material after the firing process.