The specific gravity of sodium chloride (NaCl) is 2.17. This value indicates that sodium chloride is approximately 2.17 times denser than water at a standard reference temperature.
Key Properties of Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
Sodium chloride, commonly known as common salt, table salt, sea salt, or rock salt, is a white crystalline powder with a wide range of uses. Its distinct physical and chemical properties make it essential in various industries and everyday life.
Here's a detailed overview of its key characteristics:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | NaCl |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Molecular Weight | 58.44 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.17 |
| Melting Point | 1074 K |
| Boiling Point | 1738 K |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Other Names | Common salt, Table salt, Sea salt, Rock salt |
Understanding Specific Gravity
Specific gravity is a dimensionless quantity that represents the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance. For solids and liquids, the reference substance is typically water at 4°C (or a specified temperature), which has a density of 1 g/cm³.
- Calculation: Specific Gravity = (Density of Substance) / (Density of Reference Substance)
- Significance: A specific gravity greater than 1 means the substance is denser than water and will sink. Conversely, a value less than 1 indicates it is less dense than water and will float.
- Sodium Chloride's Value (2.17): This value signifies that sodium chloride is considerably denser than water, explaining why salt crystals sink when added to water.
Applications and Significance of Sodium Chloride
Beyond its defining specific gravity, sodium chloride plays a crucial role in numerous applications:
- Food Preservation and Flavoring: It is widely used as a seasoning and a natural preservative for various foods, preventing bacterial growth.
- Industrial Applications:
- Chemical Production: A primary source of chlorine and sodium hydroxide, essential chemicals for manufacturing plastics, paper, and detergents.
- Water Treatment: Used in water softening processes to remove hard water ions.
- De-icing: Applied to roads and sidewalks during winter to lower the freezing point of water, preventing ice formation.
- Medical and Health Uses:
- Saline Solutions: Used in medical treatments for hydration and to deliver medications.
- Electrolyte Balance: Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the human body.
Understanding the specific gravity and other fundamental properties of sodium chloride provides insight into its behavior and diverse applications across various sectors.
