Which chemical is commonly known as table salt?

The chemical commonly known as table salt is sodium chloride, which has the chemical formula NaCl. This compound consists of sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻) in a 1:1 ratio. Sodium chloride is widely used in cooking and food preservation due to its flavor-enhancing properties and ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Sodium chloride is abundant in nature and is primarily found in seawater, making it an essential compound for human life and various biological functions. It plays a critical role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction in the human body.

In contrast, potassium chloride (KCl) is used mainly as a salt substitute and in certain medical applications, while calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) are utilized in de-icing, dust control, and other industrial uses. These other salts do not have the same culinary applications or common usage in the kitchen as sodium chloride, which is why NaCl is specifically recognized as table salt.