The expression "2^2" represents the mathematical operation of exponentiation, where the base is 2 and the exponent is 2. This means that 2 is multiplied by itself, resulting in the calculation: 2 × 2. When you perform this calculation, you find that 2^2 equals 4. This concept is fundamental in mathematics and is often used in various fields, including science, engineering, and computer programming, to express growth, area, and other exponential relationships.