Here's the balanced chemical equation for the reaction:
2 NaOH + H₂C₂O₄ → Na₂C₂O₄ + 2 H₂O
Explanation:
* Ethanedioic acid (H₂C₂O₄) is a diprotic acid, meaning it can donate two hydrogen ions (H⁺).
* Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base, providing hydroxide ions (OH⁻).
* In the reaction, each hydroxide ion reacts with one hydrogen ion, forming water (H₂O).
* The remaining sodium ions (Na⁺) combine with the ethanedioate anion (C₂O₄²⁻) to form sodium ethanedioate (Na₂C₂O₄).
This reaction is an example of a neutralization reaction where an acid and a base react to form a salt and water.