Which type of energy is stored in food and released during metabolism?

The correct answer is chemical energy. Chemical energy is stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, like the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins found in food. During metabolism, the body breaks down these compounds, releasing energy that is used for various biological processes essential for life, such as growth, repair, and maintaining body functions. This process involves chemical reactions that convert the stored energy into a usable form, such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency of the cell.

Kinetic energy refers to the energy of motion and is not related to the storage of energy in food. Potential energy, while related to stored energy, typically refers to energy associated with an object's position or state, rather than the energy derived from chemical bonds. Nuclear energy is derived from the nucleus of atoms and is unrelated to the energy found in food.