The balanced equation for the reaction of caesium (Cs) with iodine (I₂) is:

2 Cs + I₂ → 2 CsI

This reaction produces caesium iodide (CsI), a white crystalline ionic compound.

Explanation:

* Caesium (Cs) is an alkali metal in group 1 of the periodic table. It readily loses one electron to form a +1 cation (Cs⁺).

* Iodine (I₂) is a halogen in group 17 of the periodic table. It gains one electron to form a -1 anion (I⁻).

* The reaction involves the transfer of electrons from caesium to iodine, forming an ionic bond between the two elements.

* The balanced equation ensures that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation.