Final answer:
The energy released by the hydrolysis of ATP is chemical energy. ATP stores chemical energy in its high-energy phosphate bonds, and when it is hydrolyzed, the energy is released for the cell to use for various processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The energy released by the hydrolysis of ATP is c. Chemical energy.
ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is a molecule that stores chemical energy in its high-energy phosphate bonds. When ATP is hydrolyzed, breaking the bonds between the phosphate groups, it releases energy that can be used by the cell to perform work.
For example, the energy released by ATP hydrolysis is used to power the contraction of muscles, the synthesis of macromolecules, and the transmission of nerve impulses.
Moreover, the hydrolysis of ATP releases about 7.4 kcal/mol of energy, which is lower than the figure of -57 kcal/mol or kJ/mol sometimes quoted for other reactions or conditions. This slightly lower energy release is still significantly high, making ATP a potent source of energy for cells to use.