Yes, table salt is a compound. It is scientifically known as sodium chloride (NaCl). A compound is a substance formed when two or more chemical elements are chemically bonded together. In the case of table salt, sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) combine in a 1:1 ratio to form sodium chloride.
The chemical bond between sodium and chlorine is an ionic bond. Sodium is a metal that readily loses an electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, while chlorine is a non-metal that readily gains an electron to achieve stability. When sodium loses an electron, it becomes a positively charged ion (Na⁺), and when chlorine gains an electron, it becomes a negatively charged ion (Cl⁻). These oppositely charged ions are attracted to each other, forming an ionic bond, which results in the compound sodium chloride.
Table salt is commonly used in cooking and food preservation due to its ability to enhance flavor and inhibit the growth of bacteria. It is also used in various industrial processes and as a de-icing agent on roads during winter.