What type of energy is stored in food?

The energy stored in food is classified as chemical energy. This type of energy is found within the bonds of chemical compounds, such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that make up food. When we consume food, our bodies metabolize it, breaking down these chemical bonds in a process that releases energy, which is then used for various bodily functions like movement, growth, and maintaining homeostasis.

Chemical energy is a key concept in both biology and chemistry, as it explains how organisms obtain energy from their environment and utilize it for life processes. Unlike kinetic or mechanical energy, which pertain to movement or the energy of parts in motion, chemical energy is specifically related to the potential energy stored in the chemical structures of substances. This distinction emphasizes the role of food as a source of energy through biological processes.