Final answer:
The chemical formula for common salt is NaCl, known as sodium chloride, an ionic compound with a 1:1 ratio of sodium and chloride ions and a formula mass of 58.44 amu.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical formula for common salt is NaCl, which stands for sodium chloride. This ionic compound is composed of sodium cations (Na+) and chloride anions (Cl−) that join in a 1:1 ratio to form the salt which is known for its stability and inertness unlike its highly reactive constituents. The process of forming table salt from sodium metal and chlorine gas releases a considerable amount of light and heat, indicating the reaction's exothermic nature. The formula mass for sodium chloride is 58.44 atomic mass units (amu), signifying the mass of one mole of the compound.