1) Properties of Sodium
- Reactivity: Sodium is highly reactive, especially with water, producing hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide, which can be vigorous and exothermic.
- Physical State: It is a soft, silvery-white metal that can be easily cut with a knife, and it has a low melting point, melting at around 98°C (208°F).
2) Characteristics of Chlorine
- Color and Odor: Chlorine is a greenish-yellow gas with a distinct, pungent odor, whereas oxygen is colorless, tasteless, and odorless.
- Toxicity: Chlorine is toxic and can be harmful or fatal when inhaled at higher concentrations, while oxygen is essential for respiration in living organisms.
3) Properties of Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
- Solubility in Water: Sodium chloride readily dissolves in water, resulting in a saline solution that is commonly used in cooking and food preservation.
- Taste: It has a characteristic salty flavor, which enhances the taste of many foods.
- Crystalline Structure: Sodium chloride forms cubic crystals that are typically white and can vary in size, depending on how they are processed.
- Electrical Conductivity: In its molten state or when dissolved in water, sodium chloride conducts electricity well, making it an electrolyte.