State Symbols (OCR GCSE Chemistry A, Combined (Gateway Science Suite)): Revision Notes
📚 Revision Notes
2.2.3 State Symbols
infoNote
State symbols are shorthand notations used in chemical equations to show the physical state of each substance involved.
There are four state symbols:
- (s): Solid – This includes most metals (except mercury) and compounds that do not dissolve in water, like silver chloride.
- (l): Liquid – This includes liquids like water and ethanol, as well as molten (melted) ionic compounds.
- (aq): Aqueous – This means the substance is dissolved in water, like saltwater (sodium chloride dissolved in water).
- (g): Gas – This includes gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and noble gases (e.g., helium, neon).