Question

Is `X+Y=C+D` a correct chemical equation?

Answer 1

To begin with, you write `X+Y->C+D`
In stead of an `=` sign.

Explanation:

And then it's easy to see that `CandD` must be the products, and `XandY` the reactants (=the compounds that react).

Answer 2

Reactants are on the left side of the equation and products are on the right side of the equation.

Explanation:

For a general chemical equation like the one you have here, reactants are always written on the left side of the equation and products on the right side of the equation.

In your case, you know that

`X + Y -> C + D`

Compound `X` will react with compound `Y` to form two products, `C` and `D`.

Since `X` and `Y` are on the left side of the equation, they will be your reactants. That makes `C` and `D` your products.

`underbrace(X + Y)_(color(green)("reactants")) -> overbrace(C + D)^(color(blue)("products"))`

Even if you have the reverse reaction, the reactants will still be on the left side of the equation and the products on the right side.

In your case, you could have

`C + D -> X + Y`

This time `C` and `D` will react to form `X` and `Y`.

So remember, a chemical reaction is always written like this

`color(green)("Reactants") -> color(blue)("Products")`