What is the common oxidation state of chlorine in table salts?

• A. +1
• B. 0
• C. -1
• D. -3

Answer: (C)

In table salt, chlorine appears as the chloride ion, Cl-. Sodium chloride is neutral overall, so sodium has a +1 oxidation state and chlorine must balance that with a -1 state. This -1 is the common oxidation state for chlorine in salts because halogens typically gain one electron to form Cl− when combined with metals.

So the best answer is the one that corresponds to -1. The other options don’t fit NaCl: 0 would be elemental chlorine, +1 would imply chlorine is losing electrons in a way not seen in this compound, and -3 isn’t the usual state for chlorine in common salts.