Final answer:
The balanced molecular equation for the neutralization reaction of HCl and NaOH is HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H₂O(l). The complete ionic equation is H+(aq) + Cl⁻(aq) + Na+(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → Na+(aq) + Cl⁻(aq) + H₂O(l), and the net ionic equation is H+(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → H₂O(l).
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question involves completing a balanced neutralization equation. The balanced molecular equation for the reaction of hydrochloric acid (HCl) with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is:
HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H₂O(l)
The complete ionic equation for this reaction is:
H+(aq) + Cl⁻(aq) + Na+(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → Na+(aq) + Cl⁻(aq) + H₂O(l)
Finally, the net ionic equation, which shows only the ions that participate in the formation of the products, is:
H+(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → H₂O(l)
This represents the neutralization of hydrochloric acid with sodium hydroxide, forming sodium chloride and water as products. The sodium and chloride ions are spectator ions and do not appear in the net ionic equation.