Salt Definition, Examples, Properties and Uses – Chemistry

Salt is perhaps the most well-known ingredient utilized in all food items. However, what is the science behind this?

We should discover more with regards to salts.

What is salt?

Salt is an ionic compound formed by an ionic bond.

salt an ionic compound
Salt is an ionic compound

so,

What is an ionic bond?

The complete transfer of electron/s from one atom to another atom is called an ionic bond.

ionic bond definition

Example of Ionic Bond:

Formation of nacl

In NaCl, sodium atoms lose one electron and chlorine atom gains one electron to complete their valence shell and becomes stable.

The complete transfer of electron from sodium to chlorine results in an ionic bond, As a result , NaCl ( ionic compound ) is formed. Also known as common salt.

when the hydrogen atoms of the acid are partially or totally replaced by metal atoms.

How salt is formed ?

salt formation

This is an acid-base reaction ( also known as neutralization reaction because in this reaction acid (HCl) reacts with a base (NaOH) to produce a salt (NaCl) and water.

Both salt and water are neutral in nature with pH 7 . Therefore, the acid-base reaction results in the formation of normal salts.

In this reaction metal atom (Na) of a base replaces a hydrogen atom of acid results in the formation of sodium chloride (NaCl).

Few more Examples !!

Acids and their common salts:

Here HNO3 .H2SO4 and H3PO4 are acids.

NaNO3, Na2SO4 and Na3PO4 are their respective salts formed after the replacement of hydrogen from an acid.

Properties of salts:

  • Salts are ionic compounds.
  • Salts are made up of negatively charged anions and positively charged cations.
  • Hard & brittle
  • Crystalline solids
  • Potassium (K),Ammonium (NH4+ ) & Sodium (Na) salts are soluble in water
  • Nitrites, Nitrates & Bicarbonates salts can be soluble in water
  • Metallic oxides, metallic carbonates, hydroxides, phosphates & sulphides salts are insoluble in water

Uses of Salts:

  • Food flavouring
  • Food preservation
  • Tanning, dyeing & bleaching
  • Prevention of ice during winter
  • Removes stains & grease
  • Used in the manufacture of soap & detergent etc

What are salts: Definition, Examples and Facts

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