What is the term for energy that can be released from a substance, identifying the elements and quantities in it?

The term that refers to energy that can be released from a substance, specifically by identifying the elements and quantities within it, is known as chemical energy. This type of energy is associated with the bonds between atoms in a molecule, and it is released during a chemical reaction when these bonds are broken or formed. The energy stored in these molecular bonds can be transformed into other forms of energy, such as heat or light, when the substance undergoes a change in its chemical structure.

Chemical energy is crucial in many processes, including combustion, respiration, and photosynthesis, where reactants transform into products, often releasing energy in the process. The presence of specific elements and their arrangement in a compound determine the amount of chemical energy that can be released, which is why understanding the chemical composition is essential in predicting the energy changes that may occur during reactions.