Salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl), is a well-known ionic compound formed by the chemical reaction between the metal sodium (Na) and the non-metal chlorine (Cl).
In this reaction:
- Sodium donates one electron to become a positively charged ion (Na⁺).
- Chlorine gains that electron to become a negatively charged ion (Cl⁻).
These oppositely charged ions are held together by a strong electrostatic force, forming a stable ionic bond. The resulting crystal structure is a lattice, where each ion is surrounded by ions of the opposite charge, giving salt its high melting point and brittle texture.
NaCl dissolves easily in water, dissociating into Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions, which allows it to:
- Conduct electricity in solution (electrolyte)
- Play a vital role in biological functions like nerve signaling and fluid balance
Salt is not only essential for life but also widely used in food preservation, cooking, de-icing roads, and various industrial processes.