Surface waters physical forms, lOSt

The symbols (s) (solid), i) (liquid), and (g) (gas) indicate the physical state of a substance. The symbol (aq) indicates that a substance is dissolved in water and is an abbreviation of the word aqueous, which means dissolved in water. The word aqueous is derived from the Latin word aqua, which means water. To indicate that a product of the reaction is a gas that forms in a reaction medium that is not otherwise gaseous, we use an up arrow (t). This symbol refers to the fact that such a gas often escapes the reaction medium and is lost to the atmosphere. To indicate that a product of the reaction is a solid material that forms under the surface of a liquid (a precipitate), we use a down arrow (f). This symbol refers to the fact that such a solid often settles to the bottom of the container. Figures 8.1 and 8.2 show drawings of a gaseous product and a precipitate as described here and should help clarify these two symbols. 

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