Chemical Energy

Chemical energy, abbreviated as \(E_c\), is the potential energy stored in the chemical bonds between atoms and molecules.  It can be released or absorbed during chemical reactions or processes.  The energy released or absorbed during a chemical reaction is equal to the change in mass multiplied by the speed of light squared.  The change in mass represents the difference between the mass of the reactants and the mass of the products.  It is important to note that the chemical energy only applies to reactions that involve a change in mass.  Most chemical reactions involve very small changes in mass and therefore release or absorb very small amounts of energy.

 

Chemical Energy Formula
\( E_c \;=\; \Delta m \; c^2 \)     (Chemical Energy) \( \Delta m \;=\; E_c \;/\; c^2 \) \( c \;=\; \sqrt{  E_c \;/\; \Delta m } \)
Symbol	English	Metric
\( E_c  \) = Chemical Energy (Energy Released or Absorbed)	\( lbf-ft \)	\( J \)
\( \Delta m  \) = Mass Change	\(lbm\)	\(kg\)
\( c  \) = Speed of Light	\(ft \;/\;  sec\)	\(m \;/\; s\)