Chemistry
Table salt becomes sticky in the presence of moisture because :
- It is deliquescent
- It is hygroscopic
- It contains impurities which are deliquescent
- It is a good drying agent.
Answer
It contains impurities which are deliquescent
Reason — Table salt [sodium chloride] contains impurities like magnesium chloride and calcium chloride, which are deliquescent. Hence, table salt absorbs moisture in rainy season and turns sticky.
Pure sodium chloride is not deliquescent. NaCl does not absorb moisture directly; hygroscopic substances only absorb water without dissolving. Drying agents absorb moisture; table salt is not used for this purpose.
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