Overview

The energy stored by a structure and location of matter in space is called potential energy. For instance, raising a kettlebell changes its spatial location and increases its potential energy. Similarly, a stretched rubber band contains potential energy which, under certain conditions, can be converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy.

Chemical bonds that form attractive forces between atoms also contain potential energy, called chemical energy. When a chemical reaction occurs, this energy is converted into other forms of energy. 

For example, plants and other photosynthetic organisms convert solar energy into chemical energy in food, which is stored in macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. When other organisms consume the food, the macronutrients are metabolized, releasing energy-rich molecules of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).  

The potential energy in the bonds of ATP molecules is used to power many biochemical reactions within the cell to maintain bodily functions. For example, the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) uses chemical energy derived from the macronutrients in their food to fly as high as 15,000 feet.

Procedure

The energy stored by the structure and location of matter in three-dimensional space is called potential energy. Such energy readily converts into kinetic energy to perform work.

At a molecular level, chemical bonds that hold atoms together in a defined structure have potential energy. 

For example, plants harness solar energy in an anabolic process called photosynthesis, which converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose. Solar energy transforms into chemical energy, a form of potential energy, which is stored in the bonds of glucose.

The glucose is catabolized into carbon dioxide and water. This process releases energy in the form of ATP, which is used in different cellular processes.