Final answer:
The equation NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) is balanced as written, with a coefficient of 1 for H2O, and the reaction is a neutralization reaction. The complete and net ionic equations were also provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemical Equation Balancing and Classification
The chemical equation given is NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l). This reaction represents a neutralization reaction where an acid and a base react to form a salt and water. To balance the reaction, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element on the reactant side is equal to the number on the product side. In this case, the reaction is already balanced as it stands, with one mole of NaOH and one mole of HCl reacting to form one mole of NaCl and one mole of H2O. Hence, the missing coefficient for H2O is 1, making the correct option (A).
To classify, NaOH and HCl are strong electrolytes in aqueous solution and will dissociate completely into their ions Na+ and OH−, and H+ and Cl−, respectively. These ions combine to form water and sodium chloride. The complete ionic equation is:
Na+(aq) + OH−(aq) + H+(aq) + Cl−(aq) → Na+(aq) + Cl−(aq) + H2O(l)
The net ionic equation, which shows only the particles that participate in the reaction, will omit the spectator ions Na+ and Cl− as they appear on both sides of the equation. Thus, the net ionic equation is:
OH−(aq) + H+(aq) → H2O(l)