The transparent, glassy bead formed during the initial heating phase of the borax bead test consists — Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

When borax ($Na_2B_4O_7 \cdot 10H_2O$) is strongly heated, it first loses its water of crystallization to swell up, and then melts into a transparent glassy bead consisting of sodium metaborate ($NaBO_2$) and boric anhydride ($B_2O_3$).