The formula for salt, specifically table salt, is NaCl. This stands for sodium chloride, which is composed of sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) ions.
Sodium is a metal that readily loses an electron to become positively charged (Na+), while chlorine is a non-metal that gains an electron to become negatively charged (Cl–). When these two elements combine, they form an ionic bond, creating the compound sodium chloride. This process occurs naturally when sodium and chloride ions come together in solution and crystallize, which is why we see salt as small, white crystals in our kitchens.
Salt is not only used for seasoning food but also plays a crucial role in various biological processes in living organisms, including regulating fluid balance and transmitting nerve impulses.