How is the energy released in atp used?

I realize that the energy is released when the terminal phosphate is removed. What I cannot get my head around is how the energy is released. When I think about the release of energy, I think of something like a spring or steam engine in which the energy becomes bottled up and, when released, moves an object through the force created. But I do not get how that happens in ATP. The way the book makes it sound, as soon as you release the bond, the phosphate will shoot off. Or does it have something to do with the speed of which the molecules vibrate or electrons turn? Please help because I cannot find the answer anywhere.