What type of energy is stored in the bonds of chemical compounds?

Chemical energy is the type of energy that is stored in the bonds of chemical compounds. This energy is released or absorbed during a chemical reaction when bonds are broken or formed. The bonds between atoms in a molecule hold a certain amount of energy based on the arrangement of the atoms and the types of bonds they share.

When a chemical reaction occurs, these bonds can either release energy as they break (exothermic reactions) or require energy to form (endothermic reactions). Chemical energy is essential for various processes, including respiration, combustion, and photosynthesis.

In contrast, mechanical energy pertains to the energy of motion and position, nuclear energy is associated with the forces in an atom's nucleus, and thermal energy is related to the energy of temperature and heat. These definitions highlight why chemical energy is specifically the correct choice for the energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds.