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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the classification of sodium chloride (NaCl) among the halides?
A
Covalent compound
B
Polyatomic ionic compound
C
Binary ionic compound
D
Transition metal halide
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the nature of sodium chloride (NaCl). It consists of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) atoms.
Step 2: Identify the type of elements involved. Sodium is a metal (alkali metal), and chlorine is a nonmetal (a halogen).
Step 3: Recall that compounds formed between metals and nonmetals typically form ionic bonds, where electrons are transferred from the metal to the nonmetal.
Step 4: Recognize that NaCl contains only two elements, making it a binary compound (binary means two different elements).
Step 5: Conclude that NaCl is best classified as a binary ionic compound because it is composed of a metal and a nonmetal forming ionic bonds.