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What is the crystal structure of NaCl? How does it affect the physical properties of NaCl, such as its melting point and solubility, and what is the significance of this crystal structure in industrial applications of NaCl?

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The crystal structure of NaCl, or sodium chloride, is a face-centered cubic  FCC  lattice. In this structure, each sodium  Na+  ion is surrounded by six chloride  Cl-  ions, and each chloride ion is surrounded by six sodium ions. This arrangement is also known as the rock-salt structure.The crystal structure of NaCl affects its physical properties in several ways:1. Melting point: The FCC lattice structure of NaCl results in strong ionic bonds between the positively charged sodium ions and the negatively charged chloride ions. These strong electrostatic attractions give NaCl a relatively high melting point of 801C  1474F .2. Solubility: The ionic nature of NaCl also contributes to its high solubility in polar solvents like water. When NaCl is dissolved in water, the polar water molecules surround the individual Na+ and Cl- ions, breaking the ionic bonds and allowing the ions to disperse throughout the solution. This process is known as hydration, and it is the reason why NaCl is highly soluble in water.The significance of the NaCl crystal structure in industrial applications is as follows:1. Salt production: The high solubility of NaCl in water allows for easy extraction from natural sources like seawater, salt mines, or brine wells. The extracted salt can then be purified and used in various industrial applications, such as food preservation, water softening, and chemical production.2. Chemical industry: NaCl is an essential raw material for the production of various chemicals, such as chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and hydrochloric acid. These chemicals are widely used in industries like paper production, water treatment, and the manufacturing of plastics and textiles.3. De-icing: The high solubility of NaCl in water and its ability to lower the freezing point of water make it an effective de-icing agent. It is commonly used to melt ice and snow on roads, sidewalks, and other surfaces during winter months.4. Food industry: NaCl is widely used as a seasoning and preservative in the food industry. Its crystal structure allows it to dissolve easily in water, making it an effective flavor enhancer and preservative.In summary, the face-centered cubic lattice structure of NaCl contributes to its high melting point and solubility, which are important factors in its various industrial applications, such as salt production, chemical manufacturing, de-icing, and food preservation.
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