Step 1: Understanding the reaction:
When sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is added to zinc (Zn) and the mixture is heated, a reaction occurs where sodium zincate (Na2ZnO2) and hydrogen gas (H2) are produced.
Step 2: The chemical reaction:
The reaction between sodium hydroxide and zinc can be described as follows:
- Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) reacts with zinc (Zn) to form sodium zincate (Na2ZnO2) and hydrogen gas (H2).
The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:
\[
2\text{NaOH} + \text{Zn} \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{ZnO}_2 + \text{H}_2
\]
Step 3: Conclusion:
The reaction between sodium hydroxide and zinc when heated produces sodium zincate and hydrogen gas. Therefore, the correct balanced chemical equation is:
\[
2\text{NaOH} + \text{Zn} \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{ZnO}_2 + \text{H}_2
\]