Th e reaction of sodium metal with water produces hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide, which is soluble in the excess water used in the reaction. Write the balanced chemical equation for this reaction, including the phases of each compound.

Strategy

Write the formulas of each reactant and product on the correct side of the equation arrow. While it is not clear which species is the most complicated, three of the species contain hydrogen, so balance hydrogen first. Finish by adjusting other coefficients to balance the overall equation.