Balance the following equation stepwise.
`NaOH_((aq))+H_2SO_(4(aq))rarrNa_2SO_(4(aq))+H_2O_((l))`

Explanation

Step I : Write the chemical equation:
`NaOH_((aq))+H_2SO_(4(aq))rarrNaSO_(4(aq))+H_2O_((l))`
Step II : Compare the number of atoms of the various elements present on the two sides to the equation.

Step III : Choose ther reactant or product having maximum number of atoms and equalize its atoms on both the sides, Equalize the number of atoms of reamaining elements in the reactants and products There are two comunds which have same number of atoms. Therefore, any one of them can be selected .Select `Na_2SO_4` and balance Na atoms.

Apply a factor '2' to reactant NaOH
`2NaOH_((aq))+H_2SO_(4(aq))rarrNa_2SO_(4(aq))+H_2O_((l))`
Check whether the equation is balanced .
The number of oxygen and hydrogen atoms are unequal on the two sides.

First , balance 'H' atoms

Apply a factor 2 to the product `H_2O`
`2NaOH_((aq)) rarr Na_2SO_(4(aq))+2H_2O_((l))`
Check whether the equation is balanced.
The number of atoms of the elemts in the ractants is sam as the number of atoms of those elements in the products.
Step: IV Write down the final balanced equation.
`2NaOH_((aq))+H_2SO_(4(aq))rarr Na_2SO_(4(aq))+2H_2O_((l))`