Which term describes the process of heating clay at high temperatures to fuse its particles?

• A. Greenware
• B. Firing
• C. Tint
• D. Black

Answer: (B)

Firing is the process of heating clay to high temperatures in a kiln until the particles fuse and the material becomes hard and durable. This changes clay from a soft, workable state (greenware) into ceramic through chemical changes and sintering, sometimes achieving vitrification. In practice, potters often use a bisque firing to stabilize the piece, followed by a glaze firing if a glaze is applied. The other terms aren’t about heating to fuse particles: greenware describes clay before firing, tint refers to color added or applied, and black is simply a color.