Question

a. What is a salt? b. Give two examples of salts.

Short answer

A salt is an ionic compound formed by the reaction of an acid and a base. Examples include sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium nitrate (KNO₃).

Step-by-step solution

Define a salt

A salt is a chemical compound consisting of an ionic assembly of cations and anions. Salts are produced by the neutralization reaction between an acid and a base.

Provide examples of salts

Common examples of salts include sodium chloride (NaCl), which is table salt, and potassium nitrate (KNO₃), often used in fertilizers.

Key concepts

chemical compounds

A chemical compound is a substance made up of two or more different elements that are chemically bonded together. These elements are combined in fixed proportions, meaning the same compound always contains the same elements in the same ratios.
Chemical compounds can be classified into various categories, such as molecular compounds and ionic compounds.

These compounds have unique properties that differ from the individual elements they consist of.
They are crucial in various chemical reactions and everyday processes.

ionic bonds

Ionic bonds are a type of chemical bond formed between two ions with opposite charges. This bond occurs when one atom donates one or more of its electrons to another atom. The atom that loses electrons becomes a positively charged ion (cation), and the atom that gains electrons becomes a negatively charged ion (anion).
The electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions holds them together.

Ionic bonds usually form between metals and nonmetals.
They are essential in the formation of salts and many other important compounds.

neutralization reaction

A neutralization reaction is a chemical reaction in which an acid and a base react to form water and a salt. This type of reaction typically results in the pH of the solution becoming neutral, or close to neutral.
Here's how the reaction generally works:

The acid donates hydrogen ions (H⁺), while the base donates hydroxide ions (OH⁻).
These ions combine to form water (H₂O).
The remaining ions from the acid and base form a salt.
Neutralization reactions play a crucial role in various applications, including digestion, agriculture, and industrial processes.

examples of salts

Salts are an extensive group of compounds, and each has its unique properties and uses. Two common examples are:

Sodium chloride (NaCl): Also known as table salt, it is essential for human health and is used in food preservation and seasoning.
Potassium nitrate (KNO₃): Commonly used in fertilizers because it provides essential nutrients for plant growth.
Besides these, many other salts exist, each serving critical roles in different areas of life and industry.