Final answer:
Sodium metal reacts with chlorine gas to form sodium chloride (NaCl). The balanced chemical equation is 2 Na(s) + Cl₂(g) → 2 NaCl(s), with a molar mass of 22.99 g/mol for sodium and 70.90 g/mol for chlorine. Sodium and chlorine have distinct chemical properties, but together they form a vital, stable compound for life.
Step-by-step explanation:
When sodium metal reacts with chlorine gas, they form sodium chloride (NaCl), also known as table salt.
A) Chemical formula of sodium chloride
The chemical formula for sodium chloride is NaCl.
B) Balanced chemical equation for the reaction
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sodium and chlorine is:
2 Na(s) + Cl2(g) → 2 NaCl(s)
C) Molar mass of sodium and chlorine
The molar mass of sodium (Na) is 22.99 g/mol, and that of chlorine (Cl2) is 70.90 g/mol.
D) Chemical properties of sodium and chlorine
Sodium is highly reactive, soft, and silvery-white, while chlorine is a pale yellow, noxious gas. Together, they create a stable, white, crystalline compound essential for human survival, which exhibits entirely different properties from the individual elements.