does (aq) mean a precipitate or (s)
Ie BaCl2(aq)
Mg(OH)2
(aq) means aqueous.
(s) means a ppt (solid).
gracias
When you see the abbreviation "(aq)" next to a chemical formula, it means that the substance is in aqueous solution. "Aqueous" refers to a solution where the solvent is water.
On the other hand, when you see the abbreviation "(s)" next to a chemical formula, it means that the substance is in a solid state or that it is a precipitate formed during a chemical reaction.
To determine whether a substance in an aqueous solution will form a precipitate or stay dissolved, you need to consider the solubility rules for that particular compound. Solubility rules provide guidelines for predicting whether an ion is soluble (remains in aqueous solution) or insoluble (forms a precipitate) when combined with a specific ion.
For example, let's look at the compounds you mentioned:
1. BaCl2(aq) - Barium chloride (BaCl2) is soluble in water according to most solubility rules. Therefore, BaCl2 in aqueous solution would not form a precipitate.
2. Mg(OH)2 - Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) is generally considered insoluble or only slightly soluble in water. Thus, Mg(OH)2 would tend to form a precipitate in aqueous solution.
To determine the solubility of different compounds, you can refer to solubility rules, which are specific guidelines used in chemistry to predict the formation of precipitates when two aqueous solutions are mixed together. These rules outline which ionic compounds are soluble and which are insoluble in water.