Here's how to balance the equation for the reaction of nitrogen gas and oxygen to form nitric oxide:

Unbalanced Equation:

N₂ (g) + O₂ (g) → NO (g)

Balancing the Equation:

1. Nitrogen (N): There are 2 nitrogen atoms on the left side and only 1 on the right. To balance, place a coefficient of 2 in front of NO.

N₂ (g) + O₂ (g) → 2NO (g)

2. Oxygen (O): Now there are 2 oxygen atoms on the left and 2 on the right, so oxygen is balanced.

Balanced Equation:

N₂ (g) + O₂ (g) → 2NO (g)