How does sodium chloride differ from sodium and chlorine?

Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a compound made up of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) elements. Here's how they differ:

Composition:

Sodium (Na): A soft, silvery metal that is highly reactive, especially with water. It’s an alkali metal in Group 1 of the periodic table.
Chlorine (Cl): A yellow-green gas that is also highly reactive. It’s a halogen in Group 17 of the periodic table.
Chemical Nature:

Sodium Chloride (NaCl): Formed by the ionic bonding of sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻). It is a stable, crystalline solid at room temperature and is commonly known as table salt. It is electrically neutral and dissolves easily in water to form a saline solution.
Sodium and Chlorine (elements): Both are reactive on their own. Sodium reacts violently with water, while chlorine is a toxic gas that can form harmful compounds on its own.
Properties:

Sodium Chloride: It has a high melting point (about 801°C or 1474°F), is soluble in water, and is used in a variety of applications like seasoning food, de-icing roads, and in industrial processes.
Sodium: Has a low melting point (about 98°C or 208°F), is highly reactive, and must be stored under oil to prevent it from reacting with moisture in the air.
Chlorine: Exists as a gas at room temperature, has a strong, pungent odor, and is used as a disinfectant and in the production of various chemicals.
So, sodium chloride is a stable compound with different properties compared to its individual elements, sodium and chlorine.