How to Balance the Equation for Sodium + Water → Sodium Hydroxide + Hydrogen:

To balance the chemical equation for the reaction between sodium and water, which produces sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to balance this equation:

Step 1: Write the Unbalanced Equation
The unbalanced equation for the reaction is:
Na + H2O → NaOH + H2

Step 2: Count the Number of Atoms on Each Side
On the left-hand side (reactant side):
- Sodium (Na): 1 atom
- Oxygen (O): 1 atom
- Hydrogen (H): 2 atoms

On the right-hand side (product side):
- Sodium (Na): 1 atom
- Oxygen (O): 1 atom
- Hydrogen (H): 2 atoms

Step 3: Balance the Hydrogen Atoms
Since there are 2 hydrogen atoms on both sides, we don't need to make any changes to balance them.

Step 4: Balance the Oxygen Atoms
On the left-hand side, we have 1 oxygen atom from water (H2O), while on the right-hand side, we have 1 oxygen atom from sodium hydroxide (NaOH). To balance the oxygen atoms, we need to add a coefficient of 1/2 in front of the water molecule:

Na + 1/2 H2O → NaOH + H2

Step 5: Balance the Sodium Atoms
Now, we have 1 sodium atom on the left and 1 sodium atom on the right. The equation is now almost balanced, but to make it visually appealing, we can add a coefficient of 2 in front of sodium hydroxide:

2 Na + H2O → 2 NaOH + H2

Final Balanced Equation:
The final balanced equation for the reaction between sodium and water is:
2 Na + 2 H2O → 2 NaOH + H2

By following these steps, we have successfully balanced the equation, ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides.