Which term refers to energy stored due to position?

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

Answer: (C)

Energy stored due to position is potential energy. This type of energy arises from where a system is located within a field or how it’s configured. For example, lifting a book increases gravitational potential energy because it sits higher and could do work if it falls. A compressed or stretched spring holds elastic potential energy, ready to release as the spring moves back toward its rest length. This is different from kinetic energy, which is energy of motion, and from thermal energy, which relates to temperature and how particles move randomly. Chemical energy is stored in the bonds of molecules, not simply in position. When the object moves or the spring releases, potential energy can convert into kinetic energy.