What is the chemical formula for table salt?

Table salt, commonly used in households, is scientifically known as sodium chloride. The chemical formula for sodium chloride is represented as NaCl. In this formula, "Na" stands for sodium, which is a metal, and "Cl" stands for chlorine, a non-metal. When these two elements combine, they form an ionic compound through the transfer of electrons. Sodium donates an electron to chlorine, resulting in a stable ionic bond that creates the compound NaCl.

Understanding the specific components and structure of table salt underscores why NaCl is the correct answer. The other options represent different compounds. For example, KCl is potassium chloride, CaCl₂ is calcium chloride, and MgO is magnesium oxide, none of which are the same as table salt. These differences in composition and the elements involved highlight why NaCl is uniquely associated with table salt.