Symbols, formulae and equations - (CCEA)State symbols

Symbols, formulae and equations help chemists to explain chemical reactions in detail.

Part ofCombined ScienceStructures, trends, chemical reactions, quantitative chemistry and analysis

State symbols

Chemical equations use :

State symbolMeaning
(s)solid
(l)liquid
(g)gas
(aq)aqueous solution (dissolved in water)
State symbol(s)
Meaningsolid
State symbol(l)
Meaningliquid
State symbol(g)
Meaninggas
State symbol(aq)
Meaningaqueous solution (dissolved in water)

Question

An iron nail is placed in a solution of blue copper(II) sulfate. Over time, a brown solid appears and the solution becomes colourless. This is because copper and a solution of iron(II) sulfate forms.

Add state symbols to the for the reaction of iron with copper(II) sulfate.

Fe + CuSO4 → FeSO4 + Cu