Here's how to balance the equation for the reaction between aluminum and copper(II) sulfate:

Unbalanced Equation:

Al (s) + CuSO₄ (aq) → Al₂(SO₄)₃ (aq) + Cu (s)

Balancing Steps:

1. Aluminum (Al): There's one Al atom on the left and two on the right. Multiply the Al on the left by 2:

2 Al (s) + CuSO₄ (aq) → Al₂(SO₄)₃ (aq) + Cu (s)

2. Copper (Cu): There's one Cu atom on the right and one on the left. The copper is already balanced.

3. Sulfate (SO₄): There's one SO₄ group on the left and three on the right. Multiply the CuSO₄ on the left by 3:

2 Al (s) + 3 CuSO₄ (aq) → Al₂(SO₄)₃ (aq) + Cu (s)

4. Copper (Cu): Now we have three Cu atoms on the left. Multiply the Cu on the right by 3:

2 Al (s) + 3 CuSO₄ (aq) → Al₂(SO₄)₃ (aq) + 3 Cu (s)

Balanced Equation:

2 Al (s) + 3 CuSO₄ (aq) → Al₂(SO₄)₃ (aq) + 3 Cu (s)