The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO₃) with hydrochloric acid (HCl) is:

NaHCO₃(s) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g)

Here's a breakdown of the reaction:

* NaHCO₃(s): Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is a solid.

* HCl(aq): Hydrochloric acid is an aqueous solution.

* NaCl(aq): Sodium chloride (table salt) is produced as an aqueous solution.

* H₂O(l): Water is produced as a liquid.

* CO₂(g): Carbon dioxide gas is produced, which is why you often see bubbles forming in this reaction.

This reaction is a classic example of an acid-base reaction, where the base (baking soda) reacts with the acid (hydrochloric acid) to produce salt, water, and a gas.