* Melting Point: Melting point is the temperature at which a solid changes into a liquid.

* Benzoic acid has a melting point of around 122.4 °C (252.3 °F).

* Sodium chloride has a melting point of 801 °C (1474 °F).

* Intermolecular Forces: The strength of the forces holding molecules together in a solid determines its melting point.

* Benzoic acid: Forms hydrogen bonds, which are relatively strong but weaker than ionic bonds.

* Sodium chloride: Is an ionic compound, meaning it has strong electrostatic attractions between positively charged sodium ions (Na+) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl-).

Conclusion: Because sodium chloride has much stronger ionic bonds than the hydrogen bonds in benzoic acid, it requires significantly more energy (higher temperature) to break those bonds and melt.