Define Chemical Energy

One way to define chemical energy is as a form of potential energy. In the strictest definition, chemical energy is the energy involved in the bond formed between two atoms. Each bond within a chemical compounds involves different amounts of energy.

When one of these bonds breaks,  a chemical reaction occurs and chemical energy is used. The bond is released and is either reused in forming new bonds with other atoms or enters the surrounding atmosphere as heat. You can’t see chemical energy or touch it, but you can see it released when reactions occur.

The most dramatic example of chemical energy is when a stick of dynamite explodes. The TNT molecule is converted to water, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Many bonds are broken and the energy supplied by the bonds breaking provides the energy to form the new bonds. The excess energy creates the visible explosion.

Types of Chemical Reactions

Some chemical reactions give off heat and some require heat to occur.

Exithermic Reactions

Reactions that give off quantities of heat are called exothermic reactions. Our example of the explosion of dynamite is an exothermic reaction.

Endothermic Reactions

Reactions that require heat to occur are called endothermic reactions. An example of an endothermic reaction is a chemical ice pack. When the pack is broken and the chemicals inside mix, the reaction draws heat from the environment, thus you feel cold.

Ads by Google

Boiler maintenance - Tired of expensive cleaning costs? Download case study to learn more. 

Next Generation Energy... - Now! New Technology w/microwaves Energy from Waste and Biomasswww.plasma2energy.com

Chemical Microscopy - 120 Reagents. Follows approach of Chamot and Mason 

Catalysts Help Recover Energy from Chemicals

Some chemical reactions require small amounts of energy to start. While the reaction may be exothermic and produce large amounts of heat, a kick-start may be required to get the reaction going.

Think about a campfire. The wood burned in a campfire is filled with chemical energy but in order to release, it you must light the fire. By lighting the match and starting the fire, the reaction of the wood with the fire releases more heat than you supplied to begin the reaction. The amount of energy required to start a reaction varies depending on the reaction in question. A campfire is started by the introduction of a defined amount of energy to begin the reaction.

Another reaction to consider is the combustion of nitroglycerin. The amount of energy required to start that reaction is minimal. That is why nitroglycerin is so dangerous and unstable.

Chemical energy is abundant in every task and source of energy used in society. From the functioning of our bodies to the gas or electricity to run our cars, chemical energy is being used.