Here's the balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and chlorine gas (Cl₂) to produce sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), and water (H₂O):

2 NaOH + Cl₂ → NaCl + NaClO + H₂O

Explanation:

* Reactants:

* Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base.

* Chlorine gas (Cl₂) is a diatomic element.

* Products:

* Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a common salt.

* Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is a bleach.

* Water (H₂O) is formed as a byproduct.

Balancing the Equation:

* We need two moles of NaOH to react with one mole of Cl₂ to produce one mole each of NaCl, NaClO, and H₂O.

Important Note: This reaction is a disproportionation reaction, where chlorine is both oxidized and reduced:

* Oxidation: Cl₂ → 2 Cl⁻ (chlorine is reduced to chloride ions)

* Reduction: Cl₂ → 2 ClO⁻ (chlorine is oxidized to hypochlorite ions)