What form of energy is stored in chemical bonds?

Chemical energy is the form of energy that is stored in the bonds between atoms within a molecule. When chemical reactions occur, these bonds may break and reform, leading to the release or absorption of energy. This energy can be harnessed for various processes, such as powering engines or providing energy for biological functions.

Chemical energy is often classified as a type of potential energy since it represents the stored energy due to the position of atoms in a molecule. However, it is specifically categorized as chemical energy because it is associated specifically with the interactions of chemical bonds.

Understanding that chemical energy is fundamental to processes such as combustion, metabolism, and battery function highlights its significance in both everyday applications and larger-scale energy transformations.