The most abundant salt found in seawater is sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt. The two elements that make up sodium chloride are sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl).
Sodium is an essential element for various biological processes and contributes to the overall salinity of seawater. It is a metal that reacts easily with other elements, especially nonmetals.
Chlorine is a halogen and exists in seawater primarily in the form of chloride ions (Cl-). It plays a crucial role in maintaining the chemical balance in the ocean and is important for the health of marine ecosystems.
Together, sodium and chlorine combine in a 1:1 ratio to form sodium chloride, which constitutes about 85% of the total dissolved salts in seawater. This combination is vital not only for marine life but also has implications for human industries, such as seafood processing and desalination.