State Symbols & Predicting States of Matter

• What are state symbols used for in chemical equations?

  To indicate the state of each substance
• What state symbol is used for solids?


  s
• What state symbol is used for liquids?

  l
• What state symbol is used for gases?

  g
• What does the state symbol 'aq' represent?

  Aqueous, meaning dissolved in water
• What state symbol would you use for sodium at room temperature?


  s
• What state symbol would you use for water in a chemical equation?


  l
• How is sodium hydroxide represented in a chemical equation?

  As aq, because it's dissolved in water
• What state symbol is used for hydrogen gas?

  g
• 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?

  • Refer to melting and boiling points
  • Compare temperature to these points
  • Determine state based on comparison
• How do you represent sodium in water forming sodium hydroxide and hydrogen?

  • Sodium: s (solid)
  • Water: l (liquid)
  • Sodium hydroxide: aq (aqueous)
  • Hydrogen: g (gas)