AP Chemistry A. Allan Chapter Six Notes - Thermochemistry 6.1 The Nature of Energy A. Definition 1. Energy is the capacity to do work (or to produce heat*) a. Work is a force acting over a distance (moving an object) b. *Heat is actually a form of energy. (1) chemicals may store potential energy in their bonds that can be released as heat energy B. Law of Conservation of Energy 1. Energy can be converted from one form to another, but cannot be created or destroyed a. Potential energy (1) energy due to position or composition b. Kinetic energy (1) energy due to the motion of an object (2) vmKE 22 1= C. Heat and Temperature 1. Temperature reflects random motion of particles in a substance 2. Temperature indicates the direction in which heat energy will flow