What is chemical energy?

Chemical energy is correctly defined as the energy associated with atomic bonds. This form of energy is stored in the arrangement of atoms within molecules and is released or absorbed during a chemical reaction. When chemical bonds between atoms in a molecule break or form, they either release energy (exothermic reactions) or require energy to be inputted (endothermic reactions).

In essence, chemical energy is a type of potential energy that has the capacity to do work due to the position and configuration of atoms. For instance, when a fuel source such as gasoline is burned, the chemical energy stored in its molecular bonds is released as heat and light energy, which can then power engines or generate electricity.

The other options do refer to different forms of energy but do not encapsulate the specific nature of chemical energy. Energy from heat relates to thermal energy, energy generated by sunlight refers to solar energy, and energy that powers electrical devices pertains to electrical energy. Each of these options describes a different aspect of energy rather than the specific concept of chemical energy, which is fundamentally linked to the bonds between atoms and molecules.