Question

What do the letters \((\mathrm{s}),(\ell),(\mathrm{g})\), and \((\mathrm{aq})\) stand for in a chemical equation?

Short answer

\((s)\) is solid, \((\ell)\) is liquid, \((g)\) is gas, \((aq)\) is aqueous (dissolved in water).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Purpose of Each Symbol

Chemical symbols in equations often include notation in parentheses to specify the physical state of the substance. To solve this exercise, we need to identify what each of these notations represents.

Define Each Symbol

Each letter within the parentheses corresponds to a particular physical state of matter:- \((s)\) stands for solid.- \((\ell)\) represents liquid.- \((g)\) denotes gas.- \((aq)\) refers to an aqueous solution, meaning the substance is dissolved in water.

Interpret the Usage

In a chemical equation, these symbols indicate the form in which each reactant or product exists during the reaction. Properly understanding these notations is crucial for predicting the behavior of substances in a chemical reaction.

Key concepts

Physical States of Matter

In chemistry, accurately describing the physical state of a substance is essential. It helps us understand the conditions and behavior of substances in various reactions.
The four primary physical states of matter are solid, liquid, gas, and aqueous.

• Solid (s): In a solid state, substances have a definite shape and volume. The particles are tightly packed, resulting in a stable structure.
• Liquid (ℓ): Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container. The particles are less tightly packed than in solids, allowing them to flow.
• Gas (g): Gases have neither a definite shape nor a definite volume. The particles move freely and are well separated, filling any available space.
• Aqueous (aq): This state is specific to solutions where a substance is dissolved in water, forming an aqueous solution.

Understanding these states allows chemists to predict reactions and interactions among substances.

Chemical Equations

Chemical equations are the shorthand of chemistry, summarizing what occurs during a chemical reaction. Each element or compound involved is represented by a chemical formula.
Along with these formulas, notations indicating physical states are included in parentheses.

Importance of Chemical Equations

• Provide a concise and clear representation of a chemical reaction.
• Include information about reactants, products, and the physical states of substances.
• Help predict the outcomes and conditions necessary for reactions.

Balancing these equations ensures that the law of conservation of mass is satisfied, meaning the same amount of matter exists on both sides of the equation. Understanding how to read and write these equations is vital for anyone studying chemistry.

Aqueous Solutions

An aqueous solution is a special type of liquid mixture where a substance is dissolved in water. This can significantly influence a chemical reaction's traits and progression.

Characteristics of Aqueous Solutions

• Water is a universal solvent, meaning many substances can dissolve in it.
• The "aqueous" designation in a chemical equation (denoted as (aq)) indicates the solvent is water.
• Formation of ions in aqueous solutions can enhance the electrical conductivity of the solution.

These solutions are omnipresent in chemistry due to water's unique properties, such as its polarity and ability to stabilize ions, which lead to diverse reactions and applications in different fields like biology, medicine, and environmental science.