The reaction between aqueous chlorine and sodium bromide solution is a single displacement reaction where chlorine displaces bromine from the bromide ions.

Here's the balanced chemical equation:

Cl₂(aq) + 2NaBr(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + Br₂(aq)

Explanation:

* Chlorine (Cl₂) is more reactive than bromine (Br₂). This means chlorine has a stronger tendency to gain electrons and form negative ions.

* When chlorine is added to a solution of sodium bromide, the chlorine atoms react with the bromide ions (Br-) to form bromine molecules (Br₂) and chloride ions (Cl-).

* The sodium ions (Na+) remain in solution, forming sodium chloride (NaCl).

Observation:

The reaction results in the formation of a brownish-red solution due to the presence of bromine. The solution may also have a slightly pungent odor characteristic of bromine.

Important Note:

This reaction is a classic example of a halogen displacement reaction. Halogens (Group 17 elements) are highly reactive and can displace each other from their compounds, following the trend of reactivity:

* Fluorine (F₂) > Chlorine (Cl₂) > Bromine (Br₂) > Iodine (I₂) > Astatine (At)

This means that fluorine can displace chlorine, chlorine can displace bromine, and so on.