Which type of energy is primarily stored in carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates primarily store chemical energy. This form of energy is derived from the chemical bonds that hold together the molecules in carbohydrates, such as sugars and starches. When carbohydrates are consumed, they undergo metabolic processes that break these bonds, releasing energy that the body can use for various functions, such as maintaining body temperature, powering muscle movements, or fueling brain activity.

Chemical energy is distinct from mechanical energy, which involves the energy of motion, thermal energy, which is related to temperature and heat, and electrical energy, which involves the flow of electric charge. Since carbohydrates serve as a vital energy source for living organisms, their chemical structure enables them to be a key component in energy storage and transfer within biochemical processes.