Final answer:
Scientists use chemical formulas to represent the elements and compounds that are broken apart or created during chemical reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scientists use chemical formulas to represent the elements and compounds that are either broken apart or created during chemical reactions. A chemical formula is a symbolic representation of the types and numbers of atoms present in a compound. It contains the atomic symbols and subscripts that indicate the ratio of atoms in a molecule.
Learn more about Representation of elements and compounds in chemical reactions