Chemical energy — Science definition
Energy associated with arrangements and interactions of atoms. Breaking bonds requires energy and forming bonds releases energy; the net balance determines reaction energy transfer.
Where it is taught
- Energy Transfer & Transformation — Energy & Heat Transfer, Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy, Grade 8
In use
Chemical energy depends on the overall arrangement of particles; breaking bonds requires energy rather than simply releasing a store from an isolated bond.
Energy Transfer & Transformation
Questions using chemical energy
Problem 1
A car engine converts chemical energy (gasoline) into…
- only electrical energy
- mechanical energy and thermal energy
- only sound energy
- matter
Answer and explanation
mechanical energy and thermal energy
Burning gasoline releases chemical energy that becomes mechanical energy (motion) and thermal energy (heat).
Problem 2
A torch converts chemical energy mainly into
- light and thermal energy
- sound and nuclear energy
- mass
- gravitational potential energy
Answer and explanation
light and thermal energy
The battery's chemical store becomes electrical energy, then light and heat.