Sodium Chloride (NaCl)

Definition

Sodium Chloride, commonly known as table salt, is an ionic compound formed from the neutralization reaction of sodium and chlorine.

Analogy

Sodium Chloride is like a perfect dance pair. Sodium (Na) has one extra electron it wants to get rid of, and Chlorine (Cl) needs one more to complete its set. So, Sodium gives its electron to Chlorine. Now they're perfectly balanced and ready for the dance floor!

Related terms

Crystal Lattice: This is a symmetrical three-dimensional arrangement of atoms inside a crystal. In NaCl, each sodium ion is surrounded by six chloride ions and vice versa.

Solubility: This refers to the ability of a solute (like NaCl) to dissolve in a solvent (like water).

Electronegativity: This measures an atom's ability to attract shared electrons towards itself. In NaCl, chlorine has higher electronegativity than sodium.