Final answer:
Chemical energy is the type of potential energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules, released or absorbed during the formation or breaking of chemical bonds, and is essential for biological processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules is called chemical energy. This form of potential energy is present due to the particular arrangement of atoms within a chemical compound. When chemical bonds are formed, energy is stored, and when those bonds break, chemical energy is released, which can then be transformed into other forms of energy such as kinetic energy.
In the human body, for example, we consume food that contains stored chemical energy. When our body's cells metabolize these food molecules, the chemical energy is converted to kinetic energy which powers our muscles and bodily functions. This demonstrates how chemical energy is a key component in living systems, providing the necessary energy for growth, maintenance, and activities.