Question

Borax Bead Test is given by ___.

Answer 1

Borax bead test

• Borax $\left({\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{B}}_4{\mathrm{O}}_7.10{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)$combines with metal salts to generate metal borates or metals with distinct colors.
• So this test is only useful for colored salts.
• The emergence of color on a bead of borax in a loop of platinum wire held in the reducing and oxidizing parts of a bunsen burner flame indicates the presence of metals.

Example

• In the Borax bead test, a copper salt gives red in cold, and colorless in hot.
• In the Borax bead test, a nickelate salt gives a grey color.

Hence, the borax bead test is given by colored salts.