CHEMICAL ENERGY STORE — The Energy in Bonds
Part of Energy Stores & Systems — GCSE Physics
This key facts covers CHEMICAL ENERGY STORE — The Energy in Bonds within Energy Stores & Systems for GCSE Physics. Revise Energy Stores & Systems in Energy for GCSE Physics with 14 exam-style questions and 30 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 7 of 20 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 7 of 20
Practice
14 questions
Recall
30 flashcards
🧪 CHEMICAL ENERGY STORE — The Energy in Bonds
What it is: Energy stored in the chemical bonds between atoms. This energy can be released (or absorbed) when chemical reactions occur and bonds are broken and formed.
Important distinction:
- Breaking bonds REQUIRES energy (endothermic step)
- Making bonds RELEASES energy (exothermic step)
- If more energy is released making new bonds than was needed to break old ones, the overall reaction is exothermic
Real-world examples:
- Food (glucose, fats, proteins) — your body breaks down food in respiration; energy powers all life processes
- Fossil fuels (petrol, diesel, coal, gas) — burned in engines and power stations
- Batteries — chemical reactions inside produce electrical energy
- Muscles — ATP molecules store chemical energy; broken down to power muscle contraction