Final answer:
The form of energy present in nutrient molecules and ATP high energy bonds is chemical energy, which is a type of potential energy stored in chemical bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The energy contained in nutrient molecules and in ATP high energy bonds is a form of chemical energy, which is categorized as potential energy. This chemical energy is stored when chemical bonds are formed and is released when these bonds are broken.
In ATP, the high-energy bonds between phosphate groups hold potential energy that, when broken, can be transformed into kinetic energy that drives various biological processes.
In the human body, this potential (chemical) energy is crucial for maintaining life processes, as it is converted to kinetic energy to power muscle contractions, cellular movements, and other metabolic reactions.