The balanced equation for the decomposition of sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) into sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) and oxygen (O₂) is:

2 NaNO₃ → 2 NaNO₂ + O₂

Here's how the equation is balanced:

* Sodium (Na): 2 atoms on each side

* Nitrogen (N): 2 atoms on each side

* Oxygen (O): 6 atoms on each side (3 on the left, 2 on the right + 1 in the O₂)

This decomposition reaction requires heat to occur.