The reaction between calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and sodium stearate (NaC₁₇H₃₅COO) produces calcium stearate (Ca(C₁₇H₃₅COO)₂) and sodium chloride (NaCl). Here's the balanced chemical equation:

CaCl₂ (aq) + 2 NaC₁₇H₃₅COO (aq) → Ca(C₁₇H₃₅COO)₂ (s) + 2 NaCl (aq)

Here's what the equation tells us:

* CaCl₂ (aq): Calcium chloride is dissolved in water (aqueous solution).

* NaC₁₇H₃₅COO (aq): Sodium stearate is dissolved in water (aqueous solution).

* Ca(C₁₇H₃₅COO)₂ (s): Calcium stearate is a solid precipitate that forms.

* NaCl (aq): Sodium chloride remains dissolved in water (aqueous solution).

Explanation:

The reaction is a double displacement reaction. Calcium ions (Ca²⁺) from calcium chloride react with stearate ions (C₁₇H₃₅COO⁻) from sodium stearate. Since calcium has a +2 charge and stearate has a -1 charge, two stearate ions are needed to balance the charges, forming calcium stearate. The sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻) combine to form sodium chloride, which remains dissolved in the solution.

This reaction is often used to create soap. Calcium stearate is the main component of soap, and it is insoluble in water, leading to its precipitation.