The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of iron (Fe) and chlorine gas (Cl₂) to form iron(III) chloride (FeCl₃) is:

2 Fe + 3 Cl₂ → 2 FeCl₃

Here's how to balance it:

1. Identify the reactants and products:

* Reactants: Iron (Fe) and chlorine gas (Cl₂)

* Product: Iron(III) chloride (FeCl₃)

2. Write the unbalanced equation:

* Fe + Cl₂ → FeCl₃

3. Balance the number of atoms of each element:

* Iron (Fe): 1 on the left, 1 on the right (already balanced)

* Chlorine (Cl): 2 on the left, 3 on the right. To balance, add a coefficient of 3 in front of Cl₂ and a coefficient of 2 in front of FeCl₃.

4. The balanced equation:

* 2 Fe + 3 Cl₂ → 2 FeCl₃