What's the relationship between sodium and salt?

Salt is composed of sodium chloride (NaCl). It is made of 40% sodium and 60% chloride. NaCl is a halide of sodium and is an ionic compound formed by sodium. Sodium is also a monovalent cation. Thus, table salt is also a sodium salt in this sense. The two are not used synonymously however, as sodium is an individual mineral and one of the two components of table salt. Sodium can be used to enhance the flavor of food and to preserve them as well as add texture.