State of matter in reaction

[Mari Williams 1K]

Does the state of matter (Aq, solid, etc.) ever affect how we balance equations?

[Connie Liang 3L]

I don't believe so. Even though reactants can become a different state of matter following a chemical reaction, there should still be the same amount of that reactant due to the Law of Conservation of Mass. Therefore, when balancing equations, there should be the same amount of material on both sides of the equation, regardless of state of matter.

[Maya Johnson 2a]

Hi! I have a follow up question with the state of matter in reactions.
Is it necessary to display their states when writing them out in equations, or will we be deducted points for not including them?

[Chem_Mod]

You must write the state of matter in the chemical equation to get full points!

[DPatel_2L]

It does not matter when balancing equations, but you should be writing the state of matter that they are in the equations.

[Akash J 1J]

The state of matter essentially shows how the reactants began and changed over the course of the reaction. Otherwise someone reading the rxn equation would only be able to take an educated guess as to what states of matter the reactants and products are in.
For example, in combustion rxns, solid material can be combusted in the presence of oxygen gas to form gaseous CO2 and H2O, and while it can be inferred they are gaseous, it is just more clear to add in the states.

[Brandon Gruender 3F]

The state of matter doesn't affect how you should balance the equation (law of conservation of mass), but it should be written out when writing the equation down.

[Ashley Wagner 2A]

The state of matter doesn't affect balancing equations, but you should still write each elements state of matter. It will especially be helpful later on as we get farther.

[Jaden Kwon 3C]

No the state of matter doesn't affect balancing equations but is still useful information to know for the overall reaction.

[Eunice_Castro_1G]

No, the state of matter shouldn’t affect the way you balance the chemical equations. But you should note the state of matter to get full credit.