The balanced equation for the reaction of hydrochloric acid (HCl) with calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is:

2 HCl (aq) + CaCO₃ (s) → CaCl₂ (aq) + H₂O (l) + CO₂ (g)

Here's a breakdown of the reaction:

* Reactants:

* Hydrochloric acid (HCl): A strong acid.

* Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃): A solid compound found in rocks, shells, and limestone.

* Products:

* Calcium chloride (CaCl₂): A soluble salt.

* Water (H₂O): A liquid.

* Carbon dioxide (CO₂): A gas that is released as bubbles.

Explanation:

This reaction is a classic example of an acid-base reaction where an acid (HCl) reacts with a base (CaCO₃). The reaction produces salt (CaCl₂), water (H₂O), and a gas (CO₂). The bubbles you often see in this reaction are due to the release of carbon dioxide gas.