What is the chemical formula for Sodium Chloride?

The chemical formula for Sodium Chloride is represented as NaCl. This compound consists of one sodium (Na) ion and one chloride (Cl) ion. Sodium, a positively charged ion (cation), combines with chloride, a negatively charged ion (anion), to form this stable ionic compound.

This 1:1 ratio of sodium to chloride is characteristic of many ionic compounds, where the total positive charge balances out the total negative charge, resulting in an electrically neutral compound. Sodium Chloride is commonly known as table salt and is widely used in cooking and food preservation.

The other options represent different chemical compounds: NaOH is sodium hydroxide, used in the manufacture of soap and as a cleaning agent; Na2SO4 is sodium sulfate, commonly utilized in detergents; and NaHCO3 is sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, used in cooking and as an antacid. Each of these compounds has distinct properties and uses separate from Sodium Chloride.