What can account for the increased potential energy when atoms are close together?

A. Their opposite charges

B. Electron repulsion

C. The breaking of a bond

D. Proton to Proton Repulsion

The correct answer is C. The breaking of bonds.

Explanation:

it is very much important to note that formation of bonds requires energy by the same way breakage of bond releases energy.

The energy that is released by bond breakage utilized to do work or is converted to another form of energy.

For example ATP contain 2 phosphoanhydride bonds. Breakage of these phosphoanhydride bonds releases potential energy called free energy which is used by the body cells to exhibit their biological functions.