State Symbols and Predicting States of Matter

• What are state symbols used for in chemical equations?

  To indicate the state of each substance at a particular temperature
• What state symbol is used for solids in chemical equations?

  The state symbol for solids is 's'
• What state symbol is used for liquids in chemical equations?

  The state symbol for liquids is 'l'
• What state symbol is used for gases in chemical equations?

  The state symbol for gases is 'g'
• What does the state symbol 'aq' represent in chemical equations?

  'aq' represents a substance that is dissolved in water
• What state symbol would you use for sodium when it is in water?

  's' for solid
• What state symbol would you use for water in the reaction forming sodium hydroxide and hydrogen?

  'l' for liquid
• How is sodium hydroxide represented in a chemical equation when dissolved in water?

  It is represented as 'aq'
• What state symbol is used for hydrogen gas in chemical equations?

  'g' for gas
• What type of data might be provided in an exam to predict the state of a substance at a certain temperature?

  A table of melting and boiling points
• At what temperature does water freeze?

  0 degrees Celsius
• At what temperature does water boil?

  100 degrees Celsius
• What state is water in at 800 degrees Celsius?

  Gas
• At what temperature does copper melt?

  1083 degrees Celsius
• What state is copper in at 800 degrees Celsius?

  Solid
• At what temperature does magnesium melt?

  650 degrees Celsius
• What state is magnesium in at 800 degrees Celsius?

  Liquid
• What are the steps to predict the state of a substance at a certain temperature?

  1. Identify the melting and boiling points of the substance.
  2. Compare the given temperature to these points.
  3. Determine the state based on the temperature:

  • Below melting point: solid
  • Between melting and boiling points: liquid
  • Above boiling point: gas
• What are the state symbols used in chemical equations?

  • 's' for solid
  • 'l' for liquid
  • 'g' for gas
  • 'aq' for aqueous (dissolved in water)