Complete and balance the following equation: C$_2$H$_5$OH + Na → - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question (i) - 2005

The reaction between ethanol (C$_2$H$_5$OH) and sodium (Na) typically produces sodium ethoxide (C$_2$H$_5$ONa) and hydrogen gas (H$_2$). To write the balanced chemical equation:

C$_2$H$_5$OH + 2Na → 2C$_2$H$_5$ONa + H$_2$.

To balance the equation, we have two sodium atoms reacting with one ethanol molecule, providing two sodium ethoxide molecules and releasing one molecule of hydrogen gas.