Here's why:
* Ionic Bonding: Sodium chloride is formed by ionic bonds, where sodium (Na) atoms lose an electron to chlorine (Cl) atoms. This creates a strong electrostatic attraction between the positively charged sodium ions and negatively charged chloride ions, holding them in a rigid, crystalline structure.
* Melting Point: Sodium chloride has a relatively high melting point of 801°C (1474°F). This means it needs to be heated to a very high temperature to break the strong ionic bonds and become liquid.