The balanced equation for the reaction of nitric acid (HNO₃) with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) is:

HNO₃ + NaHCO₃ → NaNO₃ + H₂O + CO₂

Here's why:

* Reactants:

* HNO₃ (nitric acid)

* NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate)

* Products:

* NaNO₃ (sodium nitrate)

* H₂O (water)

* CO₂ (carbon dioxide)

This reaction is an example of an acid-base reaction, where the acid (HNO₃) reacts with the base (NaHCO₃) to produce salt (NaNO₃), water (H₂O), and carbon dioxide (CO₂).