Final answer:
The chemical equation for sodium metal reacting with water to form aqueous sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas is 2Na (s) + 2H₂O (l) → 2NaOH (aq) + H₂ (g).
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation that represents the reaction of sodium metal with water to produce aqueous sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas is:
2Na (s) + 2H₂O (l) → 2NaOH (aq) + H₂ (g)
In this reaction, solid sodium (Na) reacts with liquid water to release hydrogen gas (H₂) and form sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in aqueous form, which is completely ionized in solution. This type of reaction, where a metal replaces hydrogen in water, is typical for all Group 1 metals, including sodium.