Which process is primarily responsible for the release of chemical potential energy in a substance?

• A. Through physical changes such as melting or boiling
• B. Through chemical reactions that break bonds and form new ones
• C. By dissolving the substance in water without any reaction
• D. By increasing the temperature without changing the chemical composition

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that chemical potential energy is stored in the bonds between atoms within molecules.
2. Recognize that physical changes like melting or boiling involve changes in state but do not alter the chemical bonds, so they do not release chemical potential energy.
3. Identify that dissolving a substance in water without any chemical reaction also does not break or form bonds, so it does not release chemical potential energy.
4. Note that increasing temperature raises the kinetic energy of particles but does not change the chemical composition or break bonds, so it does not release chemical potential energy.
5. Conclude that the release of chemical potential energy primarily occurs through chemical reactions where bonds are broken and new bonds are formed, changing the chemical composition and releasing energy.