[danieltillett]

Of course what I am explaining is incorrect, but I am trying to give the GP an idea of what is going on. Using my elastic band analogy, releasing the band requires energy (it is endothermic), but it get across the idea that there is a great deal of potential energy stored that is released once the band is released (i.e. a small amount of energy put into breaking a very weak bond will, after all the chemical rearrangements, release a lot of energy).

Sure if you want to get in contact with me just write to any of the contact emails on my companies website - it will get to me in the end :)