Final answer:
Common table salt (NaCl) has a high melting point due to the strong electrostatic forces of attraction between its constituent ions in a crystal lattice. These forces require a significant amount of energy to overcome, resulting in a melting point of around 801 degrees Celsius or 1474 degrees Fahrenheit. The arrangement and close packing of ions in the lattice also contribute to the high melting point of salt.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common table salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl), has a high melting point due to the strong electrostatic forces of attraction between its constituent ions. In a crystal lattice of NaCl, the sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-) are held together by ionic bonds, which are formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another. These ionic bonds result in a three-dimensional network of alternating positive and negative ions.
These electrostatic forces of attraction are quite strong, requiring a significant amount of energy to overcome. As a result, common table salt has a melting point of around 801 degrees Celsius or 1474 degrees Fahrenheit. This high melting point allows salt to remain solid at room temperature.
Other factors can also contribute to the high melting point of NaCl, such as the small size of the ions and the close packing arrangement in the crystal lattice. The arrangement of the ions and the strength of the ionic bonds are responsible for the characteristic properties of salt, including its high melting point.
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