The reaction between ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a neutralization reaction, producing ammonia gas (NH₃), water (H₂O), and sodium chloride (NaCl).

Here's the balanced chemical equation:

NH₄Cl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NH₃(g) + H₂O(l) + NaCl(aq)

Explanation:

* Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) is a salt that dissolves in water to form ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻).

* Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base that dissolves in water to form sodium ions (Na⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻).

* When these two solutions are mixed, the ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) react with the hydroxide ions (OH⁻) to form ammonia (NH₃) and water (H₂O).

* This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat. The ammonia gas produced is characteristically pungent and can be easily detected by its odor.

* The remaining ions, sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻), combine to form sodium chloride (NaCl), which remains dissolved in solution.

Note: This reaction is reversible, but the equilibrium lies strongly towards the product side due to the volatility of ammonia. The ammonia gas will escape from the solution, driving the reaction forward.