The transparent glassy bead formed during the initial heating phase of the microcosmic salt bead tes — Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Microcosmic salt is $Na(NH_4)HPO_4 \cdot 4H_2O$. On strong heating, it loses water and ammonia to decompose into sodium metaphosphate ($NaPO_3$), which forms the clear transparent bead used for reacting with transition metal oxides.