Final answer:
Potential energy is stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules, and chemical reactions release this energy as kinetic energy; kinetic energy also initiates the collisions that cause these reactions to occur.
Step-by-step explanation:
The energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules is known as potential energy. This form of energy is called chemical potential energy, which is available in the chemical bonds of a compound. However, when these bonds are broken during chemical reactions, kinetic energy is released. Kinetic energy is also involved in the process, as it is the energy of motion that drives the collisions of atoms, ions, and molecules necessary for chemical reactions to occur. Consequently, when you consume food, your body breaks down the molecules, releasing potential energy which is then converted to kinetic energy used by your muscles.