Foxar+
Salt and Its Atomic Structure
This model presents the atomic structure of salt and the regular arrangement of the ions it is made of. It links this microscopic organisation to the shape of salt crystals.
Open the resourceQuestions about this 3D model
What is table salt made of?
Table salt is mainly sodium chloride, with the formula NaCl. In a crystal, sodium ions Na⁺ and chloride ions Cl⁻ form a regular lattice.
Why are salt crystals often cube-shaped?
The structure of sodium chloride repeats in a cubic arrangement. This microscopic organisation contributes to the shape of its crystals. A three-dimensional view helps connect the arrangement of ions with the visible shape.
Sources: Royal Society of Chemistry