The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of perchloric acid (HClO4) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is:

HClO4 (aq) + NaOH (aq) → NaClO4 (aq) + H2O (l)

Here's a breakdown:

* HClO4 (aq): Perchloric acid, dissolved in water (aqueous solution).

* NaOH (aq): Sodium hydroxide, dissolved in water.

* NaClO4 (aq): Sodium perchlorate, dissolved in water.

* H2O (l): Water, in its liquid state.

This reaction is a neutralization reaction because an acid (HClO4) reacts with a base (NaOH) to form a salt (NaClO4) and water (H2O). The reaction is balanced because there are equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation.