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Is salt an ionic compound or a molecular compound? Explain how you know.
Accepted Answer
Salt is an ionic compound. This is because it is composed of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) that are held together by electrostatic forces. In the case of table salt (sodium chloride), the cation is sodium (Na+) and the anion is chloride (Cl-). Ionic compounds are typically formed when a metal reacts with a non-metal. The metal loses one or more electrons to the non-metal, forming a positive ion. The non-metal gains the electrons, forming a negative ion. The oppositely charged ions are then attracted to each other, forming an ionic bond. Molecular compounds, on the other hand, are composed of molecules, which are neutral entities that are held together by covalent bonds. Covalent bonds are formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons.
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