Where does energy in molecules come from?

Question

I understand how machines get their energy; such as gas for cars, electricity for computers, but where does the energy come from in things like molecules, for example; uranium, or the magnetism in magnets? Are they like batteries, slowly releasing the energy that is stored up inside?

Answer 1

energy is released in the process of disintegration of higher molecules like Uranium into weaker forms of molecules (yes elements can also be molecules purely of one element without involvement of any other elements, for example O2 is a molecule comprised of a pair of Oxygen atoms) ;  

or the movement of electrons when induced by dissimilar substances as results from the contents batteries.  Energy is not a molecule.

IF you study the convoluted and controversial theories of "subatomic" particles and energy, you might find some paradoxes and blurring of the distinction between energy vs particles, but that can get very detailed and complex, and for sure it is (almost infinitely) smaller than the "molecule" level.  Its beyond the scope of this question and beyond the space allowed to explain on this webpage.

Answer 2

The problem with your question is that you are assuming that molecules USE energy to maintain their dynamic state. And in fact, they do not. Electrons form a cloud around the nuclei, and they move very quickly, but they do not dissipate energy. No energy is lost in the process of their movement. It seems odd to us, since we live in a world of friction, where every process loses energy, But at the atomic level that is not the case. and so electrons can 'spin' around their nuclei for ever and they do not lose any energy, they do not slow down or get lighter or change in any way.

Atoms and molecules can and do absorb and emit energy. They get hot and cold or build up electrical charges and magnetic charges, and then lose these again. But the energy absorbed is equal to the energy emitted, exactly. Even at absolute zero, when all of the electrons are in their lowest possible energy state, and the vibrations of the atoms has ceased, the electrons will still form a cloud of motion around the nuclei.There are situations in which there is a transition of mass to energy - like the rearrangement of nuclei, but one can see that as a 'special case' scenario. it does happen, but not to all material, and almost never at any great rate.

At the atomic and subatomic levels there IS perpetual motion.

Answer 3

ok A magnets don't use energy it is a force like gravity B uranium is a element not a molecule C energy is stored up in stored up in molecules because it takes up energy when creating molecules but C if your talking about nuclear power (as you showed by talking about uranium) as shown by e=mc2 you can convert mass into energy wich leaves no atoms left