Final answer:
In a double replacement reaction, state symbols such as (s) for solid and (aq) for aqueous are determined by solubility rules. The insoluble compound that forms a precipitate is indicated with (s), and soluble compounds remain in solution with (aq). The names and solubility of salts depend on their cation and anion as per the solubility rules.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the appropriate state symbols (aq and s) for the compounds involved in a double replacement reaction taking place in water, we must apply the solubility rules. In a balanced chemical equation, the symbols (s) and (aq) are used to indicate the physical states of solid and aqueous respectively.
For example, if we consider a hypothetical reaction:
AB(aq) + CD(aq) → AD(s) + CB(aq)
Here, compound AD is the insoluble salt that would precipitate, indicated by (s), while CB remains in solution, indicated by (aq). According to solubility rules, compounds of Alkali metals (like Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, and NH₄⁺) and compounds with anions such as NO₃⁺ and CH₃COO⁺ (acetate) are generally soluble and would have an (aq) symbol.
To identify the name of the insoluble salt that forms, we use the solubility rules to find out which combination of cation and anion will form a precipitate (a solid). The salts that remain in solution and are thus soluble will also be confirmed using the solubility rules.
When writing the net ionic equation, only the ions that form the precipitate are included. Soluble ionic compounds are separated into their cations and anions, but the precipitate is represented as a compound with the state symbol (s).