The reaction between sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and bisulfite (HSO3-) is a neutralization reaction. It results in the formation of sodium sulfite (Na2SO3) and water (H2O).

Here's the balanced chemical equation:

2NaOH + HSO3- → Na2SO3 + H2O + OH-

Explanation:

* Sodium hydroxide is a strong base, while bisulfite is the conjugate base of a weak acid (sulfurous acid).

* The hydroxide ions (OH-) from NaOH react with the bisulfite ions (HSO3-) to form sulfite ions (SO32-) and water.

* The sodium ions (Na+) from NaOH combine with the sulfite ions to form sodium sulfite.

Important Note: The reaction also produces hydroxide ions (OH-), indicating that the solution will remain slightly basic even after the reaction is complete.