What happens to the energy stored in the C-C and C-H bonds of the log during combustion?

During the combustion of a log, the energy that is stored in the chemical bonds, specifically the carbon-carbon (C-C) and carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds, is transformed into different forms of energy. As the log burns, these bonds break, and the energy that was previously stored within them is released primarily as heat and light.

When the log combusts, a chemical reaction occurs, where oxygen (O2) reacts with the hydrocarbons (the C-C and C-H bonds) in the wood. This reaction releases energy due to the formation of new bonds in the products, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). The combustion process liberates energy, which is perceived as both heat (thermal energy) and light (radiant energy), hence producing flames and warmth.

This process is fundamental to understanding energy transformations in biological and ecological contexts. The energy from the bonds is not simply lost to the atmosphere or used in other ways; it is specifically converted into these two forms of energy. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the dual release as heat and light energy, reflecting the nature of combustion and energy conversion in chemical processes.