How does chemical energy relate to the atom and how can we use it?

Chemical energy is the energy that bonds atoms are ions together. This energy is released when the chemical bonds are released. Atoms or ions bond together to form molecules or compounds. Breaking the bonds of these molecules release energy. The food we eat contains chemical energy. When oxygen is combined to sugars in food via the process of respiration, the bonds in the sugar molecules are broken and the energy that is released is used to carry out bodily functions.