Which condition must be met in order for an equation to be balanced? The elements in the reactants are the same as the elements in the products. There are fewer elements in the reactants than there are in the products. The number of atoms in the reactants is greater than the number of atoms in the products. The number of atoms in the reactants equals the number of atoms in the products

The elements in the reactants are the same as the elements in the products

Explanation:

The condition for a balanced equation is as follows :

The number of atoms for each element in reactant = Number of atoms for each element in product.

Total charge on reactant and product must be same.

The example of a balanced equation is:

Reaction of carbon and hydrogen :

No. of carbon atom on Carbon on LHS = 1

No. of carbon atom on Hydrogen on LHS = 4

No. of carbon atom on Carbon on RHS = 1

No. of carbon atom on Hydrogen on RHS = 4

So, for a balanced equation, The elements in the reactants are the same as the elements in the products. Hence, the correct option (a).