In everyday chemistry, what is the proper chemical name of common table salt that we use in cooking and food seasoning?

Introduction / Context:
Common salt is used daily in homes, restaurants, and the food industry. In chemistry, however, every familiar substance has a precise chemical name that reflects its composition. This question checks whether you can connect the everyday term common salt or table salt to its correct chemical name and formula.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Common salt here refers to the white crystalline solid sprinkled on food, not rock salt mixtures or specialised salts.
- The options list different metal chlorides and one carbonate compound.
- Only one choice matches the standard formula and name of common table salt.

Concept / Approach:
Common table salt is primarily the ionic compound with formula NaCl. In systematic naming, Na+ is the sodium ion and Cl− is the chloride ion, so the compound is called sodium chloride. Calcium chloride is CaCl2, potassium chloride is KCl, and magnesium chloride is MgCl2; they are different compounds with different uses. Sodium carbonate Na2CO3 is another sodium compound but does not match the description of common table salt used directly on food.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that ordinary table salt has the chemical formula NaCl. Step 2: Recognise that Na stands for sodium and Cl stands for chlorine in ionic form, called chloride. Step 3: Match NaCl with its correct chemical name, sodium chloride. Step 4: Examine the other choices and note that none of them has the simple one to one ratio of sodium and chloride ions. Step 5: Select sodium chloride as the correct name of common salt.

Verification / Alternative check:
Food packaging and chemistry textbooks confirm that table salt is sodium chloride. It dissolves in water giving sodium and chloride ions, which are essential electrolytes for the human body in small amounts. In contrast, calcium chloride is used as a drying agent or deicing salt, potassium chloride is used in some salt substitutes, and sodium carbonate is washing soda, used in cleaning and water softening. These differences confirm that sodium chloride uniquely matches common edible salt.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Calcium chloride: CaCl2 is a different salt used in drying and industrial processes; its taste and uses differ from table salt.
- Potassium chloride: KCl may be used as a low sodium salt alternative but is not the standard common salt found in most homes.
- Magnesium chloride: MgCl2 is used in some industrial and specialty applications, not as regular table salt.
- Sodium carbonate: Na2CO3 is washing soda, a basic salt used for cleaning and water treatment, not as a food seasoning.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse sodium chloride with other chloride salts because the names sound similar. Others mix up sodium chloride with sodium carbonate, since both contain sodium. Always link the everyday use and simple formula NaCl to the name sodium chloride, which is the most important edible salt in daily life.

Final Answer:
The proper chemical name of common table salt is Sodium chloride.