Which form of energy changes in chemical reactions due to bonds breaking and forming?

• A. Chemical potential energy
• B. Nuclear energy
• C. Kinetic energy
• D. Electrical energy

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in chemical reactions, energy changes occur primarily due to the making and breaking of chemical bonds between atoms.
2. Recognize that the energy stored within these bonds is called chemical potential energy, which is a form of potential energy specific to chemical substances.
3. When bonds break, energy is absorbed to overcome the attractive forces holding atoms together, and when new bonds form, energy is released.
4. This energy change in chemical potential energy is what drives the overall energy change observed in chemical reactions.
5. Differentiate chemical potential energy from other forms of energy such as nuclear energy (related to the nucleus), kinetic energy (energy of motion), and electrical energy (energy from electric charges), which are not primarily involved in typical chemical bond changes.