What energy is stored in an object or system?

• A. Kinetic Energy
• B. Potential Energy
• C. Thermal Energy
• D. Chemical Energy

Answer: (B)

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object or system because of its position, state, or configuration. This is the energy that can be converted to do work when conditions change. For example, a book held at height has gravitational potential energy that can become motion energy if it falls. A stretched spring or drawn bow stores elastic potential energy that can release as motion when let go. Thermal energy comes from temperature-related particle motion, and chemical energy is stored in chemical bonds and can be released during reactions. The key idea is energy waiting to be transformed into other forms, which is why stored energy in an object or system is described as potential energy.