The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of nitrogen and hydrogen to form ammonia is:

N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) → 2NH₃(g)

Here's what the equation means:

* N₂(g): Nitrogen gas (N₂) is a diatomic molecule in its gaseous state.

* 3H₂(g): Hydrogen gas (H₂) is also diatomic and in its gaseous state.

* 2NH₃(g): Ammonia (NH₃) is produced in its gaseous state.

Explanation:

* Balancing the equation: The equation is balanced because there are the same number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.

* Nitrogen: 2 nitrogen atoms on both sides.

* Hydrogen: 6 hydrogen atoms on both sides.

* The reaction: This reaction is an example of a combination reaction, where two or more reactants combine to form a single product. It requires high temperature and pressure to occur.

This equation is crucial for understanding how ammonia is synthesized industrially using the Haber-Bosch process.