What is state symbols

State symbols are used in chemical equations to delineate the state of matter in which the reaction is taking place.

They give a good perspective of the state of the reactants and products obtainable.

There are basically four states of matter in every chemical reaction:

Solids are symbolized by small letter (s) Liquids are represented by (l) Gases are shown by (g) Aqueous solutions having water as the medium by (aq)

These symbols appear as subscript in front of the chemical species.