Chemical energy is the energy stored in substances and released during chemical reactions. It’s like a hidden power waiting to be unleashed when things change chemically. In everyday life, when wood burns, the stored chemical energy in the wood molecules is released as heat and light through a combustion reaction.
The unit of chemical energy is Joule, One joule of chemical energy can be illustrated by the energy released when a small battery discharges for one second, powering a tiny LED light.
Some more examples of Chemical energy are listed below:
- Burning Wood: The chemical energy stored in wood is released as heat and light energy when it burns.
- Battery-Powered Devices: Chemical energy in batteries is converted to electrical energy to power devices like smartphones.
- Digestion of Food: The body converts chemical energy in food into mechanical and thermal energy during digestion.
- Gasoline Combustion in Cars: The chemical energy in gasoline is transformed into kinetic energy for vehicle movement.
- Photosynthesis: Plants convert sunlight into chemical energy stored in glucose through photosynthesis.
- Explosives: Chemical energy in explosive materials is rapidly released during combustion or detonation.
- Metabolism: Cells release chemical energy during metabolic processes to perform various functions.
- Respiration: The breakdown of glucose in cells releases chemical energy for cellular activities.
- Natural Gas Combustion: Burning natural gas releases chemical energy for heating and electricity generation.
- Rusting of Iron: Slow oxidation of iron involves the release of chemical energy over time.
More Examples of Chemical Energy
Type of Chemical Energy | Examples |
---|---|
Fossil Fuels | Coal, oil, and natural gas |
Biomass | Wood, agricultural residues |
Nuclear Energy | Uranium-235, plutonium-239 |
Hydrogen Fuel Cells | Hydrogen reacting with oxygen in fuel cells |
Battery Storage | Lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries |