The balanced equation for the reaction between silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is:

AgNO₃ (aq) + NaOH (aq) → AgOH (s) + NaNO₃ (aq)

Here's the breakdown:

* AgNO₃ (aq): Silver nitrate, dissolved in water (aqueous)

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

* AgOH (s): Silver hydroxide, a solid precipitate

* NaNO₃ (aq): Sodium nitrate, dissolved in water (aqueous)

Explanation:

This reaction is a double displacement reaction. The silver ions (Ag⁺) from silver nitrate combine with the hydroxide ions (OH⁻) from sodium hydroxide to form silver hydroxide (AgOH), which is insoluble in water and precipitates out as a solid. The remaining sodium ions (Na⁺) and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻) form sodium nitrate (NaNO₃), which remains dissolved in water.

Important Note:

Silver hydroxide (AgOH) is unstable and quickly decomposes into silver oxide (Ag₂O) and water (H₂O). This reaction is often written as:

2 AgNO₃ (aq) + 2 NaOH (aq) → Ag₂O (s) + 2 NaNO₃ (aq) + H₂O (l)