What term refers to the energy stored in bonds between atoms?

The term that refers to the energy stored in bonds between atoms is chemical energy. This type of energy is specifically related to the arrangement of atoms within molecules, and it is released or absorbed during chemical reactions when bonds are formed or broken. The energy stored in these bonds is what keeps substances intact and allows for chemical reactions to occur, resulting in either the release or consumption of energy.

Kinetic energy, on the other hand, pertains to energy resulting from motion, which is not relevant when discussing the energy stored in atomic bonds. Potential energy refers to the energy stored due to an object's position or configuration, which is broader and encompasses various forms, but does not specifically signify the energy in chemical bonds. Thermal energy is related to the temperature of a substance and the energy associated with the movement of particles, which is separate from the chemical bonds themselves. Thus, chemical energy is the most accurate term in this context.