* 3NaOH represents a quantity of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). It doesn't describe the physical state of the compound.
* Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is an ionic compound. In its pure form, it exists as a solid.
* Aqueous solutions of NaOH are common. When NaOH is dissolved in water, it forms an aqueous solution. The symbol "aq" is used to indicate this: 3NaOH(aq).
Therefore, to accurately describe the state of 3NaOH, you need to know if it's in its pure solid form or dissolved in water as an aqueous solution.