Question on H15

[Labiba Sardar 2A]

When balancing reactions and writing the states of the molecules, how do you know whether something is aqueous or liquid if it's not explicitly stated in the problem?
For example, H15, how am I supposed to know that HF is an aqueous solution as opposed to just liquid whereas water is liquid but not an aqueous solution?

This is the equation I'm referring to:

4HF (aq) + SiO2 (s) --> SiF4 (aq) + 2H2O (l)

[WUng_1D]

Most times the states of matter will just be given to you however, certain factors can indicate the state such as the type of reaction (combustion reaction) would need oxygen which is always a gas.

[Tracey Tran 3I]

A molecule is aqueous if it can be dissolved in water.

[Eesha Chattopadhyay 2K]

Usually, the states of matter are given, but it can be helpful to recognize that aqueous solutions mean that the chemical is dissolved in water (you can use the polarity to determine whether or not that is plausible for that specific molecule).