Question

Give an explanation of how food energy (calories) can be viewed as molecular potential energy (consistent with the atomic and molecular definition of internal energy).

Short answer

In food, the potential energy stored, is released in a process called as chemical digestion. Energy is released from the bonds which have energy stored in it.

Step-by-step solution

Chemical Energy

Energy rich molecules known as ATP and NADPH is formed from food. It is then utilized to make various enzymes and hormones which is also known as biochemical products by the process of cell synthetization.

In the multicellular organisms, cells, tissues and organs are all made up of complex metabolic process which is incorporated with other materials.

Food energy

During the metabolic process, the food breaks down into small molecules also known as glucose, lipids and amino acids.

These molecules are the building blocks of a human body. For example, amino acid in human body is converted into protein which becomes a part of a muscle.