A salt is a compound formed by the reaction of an acid and a base, with the release of water.

Here are some examples of salts:

* Sodium chloride (NaCl) - table salt, formed by the reaction of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH)

* Potassium nitrate (KNO3) - used in fertilizers, formed by the reaction of nitric acid (HNO3) and potassium hydroxide (KOH)

* Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) - found in limestone and seashells, formed by the reaction of carbonic acid (H2CO3) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)

Important Note: Not all compounds containing a metal and a non-metal are salts. For example, sodium oxide (Na2O) is not a salt because it was not formed by the reaction of an acid and a base.