What type of energy is produced by a chemical reaction?

Chemical energy is the correct answer as it is directly associated with the energy stored in the bonds between atoms in a molecule. When a chemical reaction occurs, these bonds are broken and formed, resulting in the release or absorption of energy. This energy change can be observed in processes such as combustion, where chemical energy from fuels is released as thermal energy, producing heat and light.

Thermal energy, while it can be a byproduct of a chemical reaction, is not the type of energy that is inherently produced by the reaction itself. Instead, it is a result of the transformation of chemical energy.

Nuclear energy is derived from nuclear reactions, such as fission or fusion, and is not related to chemical reactions, which involve atomic bonds rather than atomic nuclei.

Mechanical energy refers to the energy possessed by an object due to its motion or position and is not produced by chemical reactions. It typically involves the work that can be done by a force acting on an object.

Overall, the distinction lies in the nature of the energy produced where chemical reactions specifically involve the rearrangement of atoms and the energy changes associated with those processes, defining it as chemical energy.