Question

Borax is not used (a) as a styptic to stop bleeding (b) in making enamel and pottery glazes (c) as a fur in soldering (d) in making optical glasses

Short answer

Option (a) is not a recognized use of Borax; it is not used as a styptic to stop bleeding.

Step-by-step solution

Identify incorrect use of Borax

Review each option and determine if it's a known application of Borax. Research if necessary to confirm accurate uses.

Eliminate correct applications of Borax

Compare each option with the known applications of Borax to eliminate the options that are indeed correct applications.

Select the Incorrect Application

Select the option that is not a recognized use of Borax based on your knowledge and research.

Key concepts

Borax in Enamel and Pottery Glazes

Borax, also known as sodium borate, plays a critical role in the art of ceramics and glass-making. Its value in these crafts stems from its ability to lower the melting point of other substances, a characteristic that enhances its diversity of use.

When borax is added to enamel or pottery glazes, it acts as a flux. In chemistry, a flux is a substance that helps other materials, especially metals or glass, to melt at lower temperatures and thus become easier to manipulate. In the context of pottery, this can mean more vivid colors, a smoother application, and a consistent appearance.

• Enamel Enhancement: Borax helps to stabilize enamel, making it less prone to cracking and improving its adherence to metal surfaces.
• Pottery Glazing: It also imparts a glossy finish to pottery, often sought-after in ceramic wares.

Boron Compounds

Boron is a fascinating element that forms a variety of compounds, of which borax is merely one. This metalloid element is known for its versatility in creating compounds that have unique sets of properties. Boron compounds, from boric acid to boron carbide, find utility in a range of applications.

Some boron compounds, like boric acid, serve as mild antiseptics, while others, such as boron nitride, boast exceptional hardness and thermal properties that make them suitable for advanced engineering applications. Boron's ability to form strong bonds with oxygen, among other elements, means that its compounds are often very stable and can behave in predictable and useful ways.

Use in Agriculture

Boron is essential in plant growth and thus its compounds are commonly used as micronutrients in fertilizers.

High-Tech Applications

Boron compounds are used in semiconductors and as neutron-absorbing substances in nuclear reactors due to their unique neutron capture properties.

Chemistry Problem-Solving

Solving chemistry problems efficiently requires a step-by-step approach, similar to the strategy laid out for determining the incorrect use of borax in the provided example. Students are encouraged to employ a systematic method to problem-solving in chemistry:

• Understand the Problem: Begin by comprehending the question or problem at hand, which may require background research or review of related concepts.
• Research and Analysis: Gather information about the substances involved and use previous knowledge or resources to analyze their properties and uses.
• Apply Knowledge: Utilize what you know about the chemistry of the substances to narrow down possibilities and make educated decisions.
• Review and Conclude: Finally, review your findings to ensure they are consistent with established chemical principles before settling on a conclusion.

For example, referring to the exercise, by knowing the applications of borax and the nature of boron compounds, one can reason that borax isn't typically used 'as a styptic to stop bleeding', leading to the correct answer.