The expression "2^12" represents the mathematical operation of raising the number 2 to the power of 12. This means multiplying 2 by itself 12 times. The result of this calculation is 4,096. Powers of 2 are commonly used in computer science, particularly in relation to binary systems, where data is processed in bits. In practical terms, "2^12" can be seen in various applications, such as memory storage. For example, a computer with 4,096 bytes of memory can store a specific amount of data. Understanding powers of 2 is essential for grasping concepts in computing and digital technology.