Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
1
Locate the parentheses after the chemical formula, whether or not it is within the context of an equation.
2
Identify the parentheses as (s) for solid, (l) for liquid, (g) for gas, or (aq) for aqueous solution. An aqueous solution is a substance dissolved in water.
3
If no parentheses follow the chemical formula, look for key words or phrases. These are especially helpful in the context of chemical reactions. For example, a precipitate is a solid, a combustion reaction produces water and carbon dioxide in their gaseous forms, and in solubility experiments, ions are in aqueous solution.