Which type of energy is stored in the chemical bonds of molecules?

Chemical energy is the type of energy that is stored in the chemical bonds of molecules. This energy is released or absorbed during a chemical reaction when bonds are broken or formed. The amount of chemical energy in a substance depends on the arrangement of atoms and the types of bonds present.

When chemical bonds are broken, such as in combustion reactions, the stored energy can be converted into other forms, such as thermal energy (heat) and light. Conversely, during processes like photosynthesis, energy is stored in the chemical bonds formed between carbon dioxide and water to create glucose.

In contrast, mechanical energy refers to the energy associated with the motion and position of an object, gravitational potential energy is related to the position of an object in a gravitational field, and electrical energy is associated with the flow of electric charge. None of these forms of energy specifically pertain to the energy stored in chemical bonds as chemical energy does.