The balanced equation for the reaction of aluminum (Al) and iodine (I₂) to form aluminum iodide (AlI₃) is:

2 Al + 3 I₂ → 2 AlI₃

Here's how to balance the equation:

1. Identify the reactants and products:

- Reactants: Aluminum (Al) and Iodine (I₂)

- Product: Aluminum Iodide (AlI₃)

2. Write the unbalanced equation:

- Al + I₂ → AlI₃

3. Balance the number of atoms of each element:

- Aluminum: There is 1 Al atom on the left and 1 on the right, so Al is already balanced.

- Iodine: There are 2 I atoms on the left and 3 on the right. To balance, add a coefficient of 3 in front of I₂ and a coefficient of 2 in front of AlI₃.

4. The balanced equation is:

- 2 Al + 3 I₂ → 2 AlI₃