Question

A solution of ${{H}_{3}}B{{O}_{3}}$and borax is called _________ .

Answer 1

Borax is sodium tetraborate decahydrate, which has a formula$N{{a}_{2}}{{B}_{4}}{{O}_{7}}.10{{H}_{2}}O$. Boric acid has the formula of ${{H}_{3}}B{{O}_{3}}$. This is a weak acid, which is formed by reaction of borax with water. The pH of this solution and the bi products tells us which type of solution it is (acidic, alkaline, or neutral).

Complete answer:
Boric acid has a formula of ${{H}_{3}}B{{O}_{3}}$, and borax is $N{{a}_{2}}{{B}_{4}}{{O}_{7}}.10{{H}_{2}}O$, sodium tetraborate decahydrate, is an anhydrous salt. We have been asked what their solution is called. The relationship between these salts is that borax on reaction with water forms boric acid. Thus a solution of boric acid and borax is formed.
The reaction between borax and water is as follows,
$N{{a}_{2}}{{B}_{4}}{{O}_{7}}.10{{H}_{2}}O+7{{H}_{2}}O\to 2NaOH+4{{H}_{3}}B{{O}_{3}}+10{{H}_{2}}O$
This reaction yields boric acid, ${{H}_{3}}B{{O}_{3}}$that is a weak acid, water and NaOH, which is considered as a strong base. This shows that the solution is an alkaline solution, as the product is a strong base, which yields $O{{H}^{-}}$ ions making the solution alkaline.
Hence, a solution of ${{H}_{3}}B{{O}_{3}}$ and borax is called an alkaline solution.

Additional information:
Borax is a mineral salt used as a chemical in cleaning products. It has a wide range of applications and is useful for removing stains, killing insects, used in laundry, etc. It is considered as resulting in adverse effects on humans, which include skin irritation, and toxicity.

Note:
Boric acid is a Lewis acid, and is considered as a weak acid. Boric acid on reaction with sodium carbonate produces borax, the reaction is $4{{H}_{3}}B{{O}_{3}}+N{{a}_{2}}C{{O}_{3}}\to N{{a}_{2}}{{B}_{4}}{{O}_{7}}+6{{H}_{2}}O+C{{O}_{2}}$. The anhydrous crystals can be separated out by cooling.