What is the energy stored due to an object's position called?

• A. Kinetic energy
• B. Potential energy
• C. Elastic potential energy
• D. Thermal energy

Answer: (B)

Energy stored because of an object's position is called potential energy. This type of energy exists whenever an object is located in a place or configuration that could do work if it moves. For example, lifting a book gives it gravitational potential energy that depends on its height and mass, and it can convert to kinetic energy as it falls. Elastic potential energy is another form of potential energy that appears when a spring or elastic object is stretched or compressed. In contrast, kinetic energy is the energy of motion, and thermal energy relates to temperature and the random motion of particles.