Question

question 10 of 10
what are state symbols in a chemical equation?

a. symbols telling how many molecules will react

b. symbols telling what form of matter the substances are in

c. symbols telling the mass of the substances

d. symbols telling how many atoms are in each substance

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Coefficients (not state symbols) indicate the number of molecules reacting. So A is incorrect.
• Option B: State symbols (like (s), (l), (g), (aq)) in a chemical equation show the physical state (form of matter) of substances (solid, liquid, gas, aqueous). This matches the definition of state symbols.
• Option C: Mass of substances is related to molar mass and stoichiometry, not state symbols. So C is incorrect.
• Option D: Subscripts in chemical formulas show the number of atoms in a substance, not state symbols. So D is incorrect.

Answer:

B. Symbols telling what form of matter the substances are in