Category: Household science

Brine is a high-concentration solution of salt in water, a fact that immediately answers the question: is brine an alcohol? Chemically, these two substances are fundamentally different, with one being a simple mixture and the other a distinct organic compound with unique properties. This article will delve into the specific compositions and roles of each to eliminate any confusion.

By weight, common table salt is composed of approximately 40% sodium and 60% chloride, a fact that often leads to confusion. The critical distinction to understand is that salt is a chemical compound, sodium chloride, that contains the element sodium, but it is not the metallic element itself. This crucial chemical difference also means it is not the element iron, which is a completely separate substance with different properties.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, pure, neutral water has a pH of 7. Despite this, you will find a distinct difference in pH between tap water and distilled water when you measure it yourself, primarily due to factors like dissolved minerals and gasses.

Chemically, baking soda is sodium bicarbonate ($NaHCO_3$), a compound that contains sodium but is fundamentally different from the pure, highly reactive element sodium itself. A single teaspoon of baking soda contains about 1,260 mg of sodium, yet it is a stable, safe household ingredient.