The balanced equation for the reaction of ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is:

CH₃COOH (aq) + NaOH (aq) → CH₃COONa (aq) + H₂O (l)

Here's what the equation represents:

* CH₃COOH (aq): Ethanoic acid in aqueous solution (acetic acid)

* NaOH (aq): Sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution

* CH₃COONa (aq): Sodium ethanoate (sodium acetate) in aqueous solution

* H₂O (l): Water in liquid form

Explanation:

This is a neutralization reaction where an acid (ethanoic acid) reacts with a base (sodium hydroxide) to form a salt (sodium ethanoate) and water. The hydrogen ion (H+) from the acid combines with the hydroxide ion (OH-) from the base to form water.