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Common salt, chemically known as sodium chloride (NaCl), is one of the most widely used substances in daily life. It is a white crystalline compound composed of sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) ions. Found abundantly in seawater and mined from rock salt deposits, common salt is essential for both culinary and biological purposes.
Chemical Nature of Common Salt
| Property | Description |
| Chemical Name | Sodium Chloride |
| Chemical Formula | NaCl |
| Molecular Weight | 58.44 g/mol |
| Physical State | Solid (crystalline) |
| Color | White |
| Taste | Salty |
| Solubility in Water | Highly soluble |
| Melting Point | 801°C |
| Boiling Point | 1,413°C |
| Nature | Ionic compound; neutral in pH (around 7 when dissolved) |
| Occurrence | Naturally in seawater and mineral deposits (halite) |
Ionic Nature of Common Salt
Sodium chloride is an ionic compound, meaning it is formed by the transfer of electrons between atoms:
- Sodium (Na) loses one electron to become Na⁺ (cation).
- Chlorine (Cl) gains one electron to become Cl⁻ (anion).
These oppositely charged ions attract each other and form a strong ionic bond, creating a stable compound.
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