Chemical energy
Image
Chart:
Chemical energy as binding energy between atoms (as a potential curve in the illustration).
English, German, Spanish (CREA)
2019-03-21
This medium is made available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 international license.
What does this mean?
How to reference this medium
Chemical energy is present both in the bond between atoms and molecules as well as in the potential for chemical bonding. This energy can be released in the form of heat during the bonding process or when those bonds are broken. This “heat of reaction" is also referred to as reaction enthalpy (H). The release of heat (dH < 0) is referred to as an exothermic reaction. An endothermic reaction is when heat is absorbed (dH > 0).
Every mixture of source materials that can react to produce end products can be regarded as a potential source of chemical energy.
Microscopically speaking, this chemical energy can be found in the bonds between individual atoms, as illustrated in the potential curve.
Information and ideas:
Chemical energy is a form of energy that is easy to store – whether in the human body or in batteries. An additional example is hydrogen as a chemical energy store for renewable energy sources.
Every mixture of source materials that can react to produce end products can be regarded as a potential source of chemical energy.
Microscopically speaking, this chemical energy can be found in the bonds between individual atoms, as illustrated in the potential curve.
Information and ideas:
Chemical energy is a form of energy that is easy to store – whether in the human body or in batteries. An additional example is hydrogen as a chemical energy store for renewable energy sources.
There are no other media directly related to this file.
Illustration
Chemistry; Physics
Grade 10 to 13
Middle/high school
Chart; Energy; Energy supply; Power generation; Renewable energy; Energy store; Form of energy; Fossil fuel; Fuel cell; Graphics; Renewable energy; Source of energy
Siemens Stiftung Media Portal
MediaHouse GmbH
© Siemens Stiftung 2018
