Something about state symbol?

Question

the equation

Na(s)+cl2= 2Nacl(s). I was a bit confused, why is it that sodium chloride is not in (aq) state since it can dissolve in water?

Answer 1

In your equation you have shown Na(s) which means that you are reacting solid sodium with Cl2(g)  which will produce NaCl(s)

The (aq) state symbol used in an eqution is the state of the substance in that specific environment, not whether it can dissolve in water , if water were present. In your example, water is absent.

The contast is :

Na+(aq) + Cl-(aq) → NaCl(aq)

This is a sodium ion, originationg posibly from NaOH in aqueous solution, reacting with a Cl-ion, possibly originating from HCl also in aqueous solution, reacting to form NaCl in aqueous solution.

Answer 2

Sodium when reacted is in solid state.It can dissolve in water too.