Answer:
Sodium (Na) is a highly reactive metal, while sodium chloride (NaCl) is a compound formed by the combination of sodium and chlorine (Cl). Sodium exists as a pure element, whereas sodium chloride is a stable, crystalline compound.
Sodium is a soft, silvery-white metal that is highly reactive and can easily react with water or air. In contrast, sodium chloride is a white crystalline solid that is highly stable and does not react readily with water or air. Sodium chloride is commonly known as table salt and is widely used as a seasoning and food preservative.