Question

The formula and molecular mass of common salt is:
A. $NaCl,58.5$
B. $MgC{l_2},46$
C. $CaC{l_2},62$
D. $FeC{l_3},54$

Answer 1

Hint: As we all know that, Common salt or table salt is an ionic compound also known as Sodium chloride. The common salt contains sodium cations, $N{a^ + }$and chloride anions, $C{l^ - }$with the help of this we can derive the formula and molecular mass of common salt.

Complete step by step answer:
We have already studied that common salt or table salt consists of inorganic chloride salt having sodium (+1) as the counterpart. Thus, the chemical formula of the compound is $NaCl$which represents a 1:1 ratio of sodium and chloride ions i.e., 1:1 ration between $N{a^ + }$and $C{l^ - }$ions.
Now, we need to derive the molecular mass of$NaCl$.
We know that, molar mass of an ionic compound is the mass of one mole of the compound formula of that respective compound is.
In Sodium Chloride's formula there are
one Sodium atom
one Chlorine atom
So, the molar mass of sodium chloride will be equal to the sum of the molar masses of the two different atoms.
So, the equation becomes:
${M_{NaCl}} \to {M_{Na}} + {M_{Cl}}$
By referring to the periodic table we can note down the molar masses of both sodium and chlorine, respectively:
\[Na = 22.989770{\text{ }}g/mol\]
\[Cl = 35.453{\text{ }}g/mol\]
Therefore, the molar mass of sodium chloride will be the sum of the both molar masses.
${M_{NaCl}} = \left( {22.989770 + 35.453} \right)g/mol$
Thus,${M_{NaCl}} = 58.44g/mol$
So, we can derive that one mol of $NaCl$ has a mass of 58.44 g.

$\therefore $The option A is correct answer.

Note:
We know the mineral form halite as rock salt is sometimes called common salt. We can distinguish it from the class of chemical compounds known as salts. Common salt is a mineral substance which is of great importance to a human and animal’s health and for industry too.