Potential energy is defined as energy possessed by an object that may be released.

Potential energy is defined as energy possessed by an object that may be released.

• A. Energy produced by motion
• B. Energy due to temperature
• C. Energy stored by position
• D. Energy possessed by an object that may be released

Answer: (D)

Potential energy is energy stored in a system because of its position or configuration, and it can be released to do work. The idea that energy is “possessed by an object that may be released” fits this defining feature: the energy is held in reserve and can be released to become kinetic or other forms of energy when the conditions change. For example, a rock held at height has gravitational potential energy; when released, that energy becomes kinetic as the rock falls. A stretched spring stores elastic potential energy and releases it to push or accelerate something when allowed to expand. This helps distinguish from energy of motion (kinetic energy), which is about current movement, and from thermal energy (related to temperature). While energy stored by position describes potential energy in a specific situation (like gravity or springs), the phrasing about being ready to be released captures the essence of potential energy as stored energy that can be converted to other forms.

Potential energy is energy stored in a system because of its position or configuration, and it can be released to do work. The idea that energy is “possessed by an object that may be released” fits this defining feature: the energy is held in reserve and can be released to become kinetic or other forms of energy when the conditions change. For example, a rock held at height has gravitational potential energy; when released, that energy becomes kinetic as the rock falls. A stretched spring stores elastic potential energy and releases it to push or accelerate something when allowed to expand.

This helps distinguish from energy of motion (kinetic energy), which is about current movement, and from thermal energy (related to temperature). While energy stored by position describes potential energy in a specific situation (like gravity or springs), the phrasing about being ready to be released captures the essence of potential energy as stored energy that can be converted to other forms.