Borax (sodium borate)

If you add less borax to silly putty, the final mixture may not achieve the desired consistency or texture. The borax acts as a crosslinking agent that helps the glue molecules bind together to create the characteristic stretchy and moldable properties of silly putty. Too little borax may result in a weaker or less cohesive putty.

The chemical formula of borax is Na2B4O7·10H2O. There are a total of 7 oxygen atoms in borax.

Borax is an ionic compound because it is made up of positively charged ions (sodium) and negatively charged ions (borate). These ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction, creating a crystal lattice structure characteristic of ionic compounds.

The borax bead test is a qualitative analytical test used to identify certain metallic ions based on the color of the borax bead after heating with the sample. The test involves melting a small amount of borax with the sample on a platinum wire loop and observing the color of the resulting borax bead under a flame. Different metal ions produce distinct colored beads, aiding in their identification.

Yes, borax can be used as a flux when soldering metals like gold, silver, and copper. It helps to clean the metal surfaces, prevent oxidation, and promote the flow of solder. Borax mixed with water can create a paste that is applied to the metal joints before soldering.

An aqueous solution of borax is basic in nature due to the presence of borate ions. Borax can dissociate to release sodium ions and borate ions in water, which can accept protons to form hydroxide ions. This results in the solution having a pH greater than 7.

To dissolve borax crystals, simply mix them with hot water and stir until fully dissolved. The borax will dissolve more easily in hot water compared to cold water due to the increased kinetic energy of the water molecules. Remember to use the appropriate safety precautions when handling borax, including wearing gloves and eye protection.

You can try soaking the affected area with warm water to help dissolve the borax crystals. Once the crystals have softened, gently scrub the area with a soft brush or cloth. Repeat the process as needed until the crystals are fully dissolved.

No, ingesting borax is not safe as it can be toxic to humans if consumed in large amounts. It is commonly used as a household cleaner and should not be ingested.

Borax was first discovered in dry lakebeds in Tibet in ancient times. The compound has been used for thousands of years, dating back to around 8,000 BC.

Please do not use on pets or your yard. Borax has a skull and cross bone on the side for a reason. It is harmful. It causes kidney failure if they eat it and they are a lot closer to the ground than we are.

Actually, the box I have here in front of me does not have skull and crossbones as someone said above. I looked at every side of the box intently looking for said skull and cross bones. It's not as dangerous as the last poster suggests. It seems to be a mere overly emotional response to new information that must have been misunderstood. Borax is toxic and can cause serious health risks, but it would take a lot of regular exposure to the product directly or ingestion. So if you're stupid enough to sprinkle it into your dog's water or food bowls or give him/her baths in it, then you have reason for concern and that would beg the question concerning whether you should have a dog or not. Just read the websites I discovered below. I, personally, am trying to use it because it was recommended by my vet to rid my home of fleas.

As for sprinkling it on your yard... that's not smart, and it's also discouraged on of the websites below anyway.

This product is actually listed in a lot of website as a non-toxic way of ridding fleas, and it's much safer than the over the counter pesticides and flea collars and shampoos. See for yourself. Just type "borax is toxic" in Google. I bet you won't find many websites with any credibility.

My conclusion to borax's safety is this. It's just like every other cleaner. You have to clean up after using it, wear gloves, mask, whatever to protect yourself if you're concerned. Don't use it outside of the instructions unless you're sure it will be ok and don't use too much or put yourself at risk with cross contaminating food, dishes or water supply.

Also I want to mention that it is found naturally in fruits, leafy vegetables, wine, cider and beer in small quantities of course. That should not be cause for concern though, for even overdose of certain vitamins can cause health risks. The key is moderation. Too much of anything is bad.

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral compound composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. It is commonly used as a cleaning agent, insecticide, fungicide, and as an ingredient in making slime. When dissolved in water, borax forms a solution that can be effective for various household cleaning and disinfecting purposes.

One alternative method to make blubber without borax is by using a mixture of liquid dish soap and vegetable oil. Combine the two ingredients in a bowl and stir until a thick consistency is achieved. This can be done by adjusting the proportions of dish soap and oil until the desired texture is reached.

When PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) and borax are mixed together in water, a cross-linking reaction occurs between the PVA polymer chains and the borate ions. This cross-linking reaction forms a gel-like substance, commonly known as slime, due to the formation of borate ester bonds. The process is often used in making homemade slime as a fun and educational experiment.

Borax forms crosslinks with the polyvinyl alcohol molecules, creating a network structure that increases the material's strength and elasticity. This crosslinking also enhances the material's ability to absorb water and other substances.

Methyl red is added to the borax solution to function as a pH indicator. It changes color at a specific pH range, which helps in determining the endpoint of the titration process when titrating an acid with the borax solution.

Yes, when borax (sodium borate) and vinegar (acetic acid) are combined, a chemical reaction occurs that produces carbon dioxide gas. This reaction is often used in cleaning applications to help dissolve dirt and grime.

Using borax alone may not effectively remove dirt, stains, and bacteria from clothes. It is recommended to use detergent in addition to borax when washing clothes in a HE washer to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.

Borax can be effective in killing mold, but it may not completely remove it. It's important to thoroughly clean the affected area with a borax solution and allow it to dry before painting over it to prevent the mold from regrowing. Ensure proper ventilation and wear protective gear when working with borax.

A common alternative to borax is baking soda, which can be used for cleaning, deodorizing, and as a mild abrasive. Another substitute is washing soda (sodium carbonate), which is more powerful than baking soda but less harsh than borax. Alternatively, you can try using white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for various cleaning purposes.

Ammonia is more basic than borax soap. Ammonia is a strong alkaline compound with a pH of around 11-12, while borax soap is a mild alkaline cleaning agent with a pH around 8-9.

No, borax is not an element. It is composed of elements. Specifically, sodium borate.

No, boric acid powder and borax are two different compounds. Boric acid is a weak acid that is commonly used as an antiseptic, insecticide, or flame retardant. Borax, on the other hand, is a salt of boric acid and is often used as a cleaning agent or laundry booster.

The balanced equation for the reaction between borax (sodium borate) and sulfuric acid is: Na2B4O7·10H2O + 4H2SO4 → 4H3BO3 + 2Na2SO4 + 5H2O.