Texes Art EC-12 Practice Exam

What term describes the process of heating ceramic items in a kiln?

1. Glazing

2. Firing

3. Molding

4. Bisque

The correct answer is: Firing

The process of heating ceramic items in a kiln is referred to as firing. This is a critical step in ceramics as it transforms raw clay into a durable and functional material. During firing, the clay particles undergo physical and chemical changes due to the high temperatures, leading to the hardening of the material. Firing can occur in two stages. The initial firing, known as bisque firing, is intended to remove moisture and turn the clay into a porous ceramic body. The second firing, often called glaze firing, applies a glaze that has been developed and tested to create a decorative and functional surface on the ceramic. While glazing involves applying a glass-like coating to finished ceramics, and molding refers to shaping the clay into forms before firing, firing specifically denotes the actual process of heat treatment in the kiln. Hence, the term that accurately describes the heating of ceramic items in the kiln is firing.