Question

Question #bc3a4

Answer 1

Most always a solid.

Explanation:

Salt is an ionic compound. The interlocking bonds between the positive sodium ion and the six surrounding chloride ions ( and visa versa) create a high melting point for this solid.

While salt can exist as a liquid in a pure form it is more common to find salt as brine. Brine is a solution of salt and water that is highly concentrated. There is a enough water to separate the positive and negative ions but not completely so the brine remains in liquid form.

Salt never exists as a gas. The ions of Chlorine would form back together as `Cl_2` The sodium metal would combine with the gaseous water in the air to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. ( a highly exothermic reaction.)

So while salt can be liquid under high temperature and pressure, it is almost always a solid and never a gas.