Determining the state of matter in reaction formula in room tempetature

Question

How do I know ( or assume ) the compounds state of matter in a chemical reaction equation?

 

I get that Ionic and Metallic bond will tend to be in a solid shape on room temperature, though I really don't know how the spot the different if a solid or aquarius

 

for example in the following ( unbalanced) ) equation :

CaCO3 + H2SO4 → CaSO4 + CO2 + H2O

 

How do we know H2SO4 is aqua ( I also don't know what type of bond is it so if someone can help me here as well).

 

Thanks Ahead 

Answer 1

Let's take your example of CaCO3(s) + H2SO4(aq) → CaSO4(s) + CO2(g) + H2O(l) (unbalanced)

The H2SO4 has to be aqueous (aq) because all acids are aqueous, otherwise they aren't really acids.  The CaCO3 is solid (s) and you know this because it is insoluble.  The CaSO4 is also insoluble, so is (s).  The CO2 is, of course, a gas (g) and finally the H2O is liquid (l) at room temperature.  If this were a combustion, then the H2O formed could be a gas (g).  So, in summary, one needs to KNOW what compounds are soluble (aq) and which are insoluble (s).  You know this from the solubility rules.  One also must KNOW which are gases (g).  Obviously, CO2, CO, O2, N2, H2, etc. will all get (g) notations. As for H2O, it will be (l) most times, but can be (g) if temperature and pressure allow.

 

Just for the record, H2SO4 is molecular, made from covalent bonds (no ionic bonds are present). Pure H2SO4 is a viscous liquid, but isn't really acidic until added to H2O.  Just like HCl is naturally a gas (g) but become acid when placed in water as HCl(aq).  I hope this helps explain some of the confusion.