The energy released as the bonds that hold chemicals together are broken, is known as

• A. Kinetic energy
• B. Chemical energy
• C. Potential energy
• D. Thermal energy

Answer: (B)

Chemical energy is the energy stored in the bonds between atoms in molecules. Those bonds hold substances together, giving them stability. In chemical reactions, energy changes as bonds break and new bonds form—the energy tied up in those chemical bonds is released or absorbed depending on the reaction. Among the options, chemical energy best describes this stored, bond-related energy. Kinetic energy is about motion, thermal energy relates to temperature, and a general potential energy label doesn’t specify where the energy comes from; chemical energy specifically refers to the energy in chemical bonds.