Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

General Test

Chapter

General Knowledge

Question:

What is the chemical name of the ionic compound NaCl?

Options:

Lithium chloride

Cesium fluoride

Calcium iodide

Sodium chloride

Correct Answer:

Sodium chloride

Explanation:

The correct answer is option 4. Sodium chloride.

Sodium chloride \((NaCl)\) is a chemical compound composed of sodium ions \((Na^+)\) and chloride ions \((Cl^-)\). It is commonly known as table salt and is a fundamental component of many cuisines and food products.

Sodium is an alkali metal with the chemical symbol Na and atomic number 11. In its ionic form, it loses one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, becoming a positively charged ion, \(Na^+\).

Chloride is a halogen with the chemical symbol Cl and atomic number 17. In its ionic form, it gains one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, becoming a negatively charged ion, \(Cl^-\).

Sodium and chloride ions combine through ionic bonding to form sodium chloride \((NaCl)\). In this process, sodium ions donate electrons to chloride ions, resulting in the formation of a crystal lattice structure held together by electrostatic forces of attraction between the oppositely charged ions.

The chemical name "sodium chloride" reflects the composition of the compound, indicating that it is composed of sodium ions and chloride ions in a 1:1 ratio. This naming convention is common for ionic compounds, where the name of the cation (sodium) precedes the name of the anion (chloride) with the suffix "-ide."

In summary, "sodium chloride" is the chemical name for the ionic compound NaCl, reflecting its composition of sodium ions and chloride ions, and is commonly known as table salt in its crystalline form.