Chemical energy is a type of energy that is stored in all chemically bonded materials, being released from the breaking of these links.
Because it is contained in certain materials, chemical energy can also be considered a potential energy. In order for chemical energy to be released, a strong interference with matter must occur, changing the condition of its chemical bonds.
Chemical energy sources are quite common, being in virtually everything on the planet, including the bodies of human beings.
In fact, the release of chemical energy is essential for human life, as it is responsible for ensuring the heartbeat, keep the respiratory system active, among other movements that need strength to be performed.
See also:meaning of kinetic energy.
Because it is contained in all materials with chemical bonds, the chemical energy is also present in food. However, this energy is only released during the food digestion process, when the gastric juices from the stomach they break down the chemical bonds of the food ingested and, consequently, release the energy needed for the body to function. human.
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Examples of chemical energy
Chemical energy is also released during the photosynthesis process of plants, producing sugar and oxygen.
Fire generated from the combustion of certain matter is also the result of the release of its chemical energy. Depending on the chemical bonds that form the matter in question, there may be a greater or lesser release of heat and light when caused to burn.
As almost all elements in nature are endowed with chemical bonds, therefore, chemical energy can be activated from different materials and methods.
The chemical reactions that release this type of energy are usually classified into: endothermic and exothermic.
Endothermics are those that absorb heat to produce chemical energy, while exothermics are reactions where energy is released in the form of heat.
See also: the meaning of Thermal energy and of the Nuclear energy.
