The balanced equation for the reaction of zinc with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas is:

Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)

Here's a breakdown:

* Zn(s) represents solid zinc.

* HCl(aq) represents hydrochloric acid in aqueous solution.

* ZnCl₂(aq) represents zinc chloride in aqueous solution.

* H₂(g) represents hydrogen gas.

This equation is balanced because:

* There is one zinc atom on each side of the equation.

* There are two hydrogen atoms on each side of the equation.

* There are two chlorine atoms on each side of the equation.