Salt

Salt is a compound made up of two elements, sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl). The chemical formula for salt is NaCl. It is an essential mineral for the human body and is also used in various industries.

Properties of Salt

• Salt is a crystalline solid at room temperature.
• It is soluble in water.
• Salt has a high melting and boiling point.
• It is an excellent conductor of electricity in its molten state or when dissolved in water.

Uses of Salt

Salt has several important uses:

1. Food seasoning: Salt is used to enhance the flavor of food.
2. Food preservation: It is used in the preservation of food items such as meat and fish.
3. Chemical industry: Salt is used in the manufacturing of various chemicals, including sodium hydroxide and chlorine gas.
4. Water treatment: It is used to soften hard water and in the treatment of wastewater.
5. De-icing: Salt is used to de-ice roads and sidewalks during winter.

Physical and Chemical Changes of Salt

When salt dissolves in water, it undergoes a physical change as it forms a homogeneous solution. When heated to high temperatures, salt undergoes a chemical change, decomposing into sodium and chlorine gases.

Study Guide

To study the topic of salt, consider the following:

1. Learn about the structure and composition of salt.
2. Understand the properties of salt, including its solubility, conductivity, and melting point.
3. Explore the various uses of salt in different industries and applications.
4. Investigate the physical and chemical changes that salt can undergo under different conditions.