Lesson 4.3 - State Symbols

What are state symbols?

State symbols allow us to determine the state of matter of a compound in a reaction.

They tell us which state each reactant and product is.

The state symbol for solids is (s).

For example, the below formula shows that silicon dioxide (sand) is a solid:

SiO2 (s)

The state symbol for solids is (l).

The below formula shows that H20 (water) is a liquid:

H20 (l)

The state symbol for gases is (g).

This formula shows that carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gas:

CO2 (g)

The state symbol for aqueous substances is (aq).

State symbols are commonly used in chemical reactions to show the state of each compound in the reaction.

For example (not balanced):

K (s) + O2 (g) --> K2O (s)

State

Symbol

Solid

(s)

Liquid

(l)

Gas

(g)

Aqueous

(aq)

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