Here's how to write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction of calcium with nitric acid:

1. Identify the Reactants and Products:

* Reactants:

* Solid calcium (Ca)

* Aqueous nitric acid (HNO₃)

* Products:

* Calcium nitrate (Ca(NO₃)₂)

* Hydrogen gas (H₂)

2. Write the Unbalanced Equation:

Ca(s) + HNO₃(aq) → Ca(NO₃)₂(aq) + H₂(g)

3. Balance the Equation:

* Calcium (Ca): One calcium atom on each side, already balanced.

* Hydrogen (H): One hydrogen atom on the left, two on the right. Add a coefficient of 2 in front of HNO₃.

* Nitrogen (N): Two nitrogen atoms on the right, so add a coefficient of 2 in front of HNO₃.

* Oxygen (O): Six oxygen atoms on each side, balanced.

4. The Balanced Equation:

Ca(s) + 2 HNO₃(aq) → Ca(NO₃)₂(aq) + H₂(g)