Is table salt a compound or element?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether table salt is classified as a compound or an element, which involves understanding the definitions of these terms and the chemical composition of table salt.
Answer
Table salt is a compound.
Table salt is a compound because it consists of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) chemically combined to form sodium chloride (NaCl).
Answer for screen readers
Table salt is a compound because it consists of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) chemically combined to form sodium chloride (NaCl).
More Information
Table salt (sodium chloride) is formed by the chemical bonding of sodium, a highly reactive metal, and chlorine, a toxic gas. Together, they form a stable, edible substance commonly used in cooking.
Tips
A common mistake is to think that table salt is a mixture since it can contain other compounds or additives. However, pure table salt is a specific compound with a fixed chemical composition.
Sources
- Is Salt an Element or Compound? - EnthuZiastic - enthu.com
- 5.1: Sugar and Salt - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- Is Common salt a mixture or a compound? Why? - BYJU'S - byjus.com
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