The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with carbon dioxide (CO₂) to form sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) and water (H₂O) is:

2 NaOH + CO₂ → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O

Here's the breakdown:

* Reactants:

* Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)

* Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

* Products:

* Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃)

* Water (H₂O)

Explanation:

1. Stoichiometry: The equation is balanced because there are equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation:

* 2 sodium atoms (Na)

* 2 hydroxide ions (OH⁻)

* 1 carbon atom (C)

* 3 oxygen atoms (O)

2. Reaction type: This is a neutralization reaction where a base (sodium hydroxide) reacts with an acid (carbon dioxide) to form a salt (sodium carbonate) and water.

3. Process: Carbon dioxide dissolved in water forms carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which then reacts with sodium hydroxide. The reaction releases heat, making it an exothermic reaction.

Note: This reaction can be carried out in a lab setting by bubbling carbon dioxide gas through a solution of sodium hydroxide.