Which of the following is a characteristic of tempered glass?

Tempered glass is specifically manufactured to be much stronger and more durable than regular glass, especially when it comes to withstanding loads and impacts. The tempering process involves heating the glass to high temperatures and then cooling it rapidly, creating internal stresses that enhance its strength. This makes tempered glass not only capable of handling more significant loads without breaking but also less likely to shatter into sharp, dangerous shards if it does break, compared to ordinary glass.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the characteristics of tempered glass. It is generally not more prone to shattering; instead, it is designed to break safely. The thickness can vary and is not a definitive characteristic of tempered glass relative to standard glass. Lastly, while tempered glass does require careful handling due to its unique properties, the central feature of its strength under load is the standout characteristic that primarily defines its use in applications requiring safety and durability.