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

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

Answer: (D)

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 chemical bonds is called chemical potential energy, which is a form of potential energy related to the arrangement of atoms in molecules.
3. Note that mechanical energy involves motion or position of objects, nuclear energy involves changes in the nucleus of atoms, and electrical energy involves the movement of electrons or charges, which are different from the energy changes in chemical bonds.
4. Therefore, the energy that changes during chemical reactions due to bond breaking and forming is chemical potential energy.
5. Summarize that chemical potential energy is the correct form of energy associated with chemical reactions, as it directly relates to the energy stored in and released from chemical bonds.