Final answer:
A chemical reaction is represented by the word equation solid carbon + oxygen gas → carbon dioxide gas + energy because it involves the formation of new compounds and the release of energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
A chemical reaction is represented by the word equation solid carbon + oxygen gas → carbon dioxide gas + energy because it involves the formation of new compounds and the release of energy. In this reaction, solid carbon reacts with oxygen gas to form carbon dioxide gas. The release of energy indicates that the reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases energy.