Which energy type is stored due to position, such as height?

Which energy type is stored due to position, such as height?

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

Answer: (D)

Energy stored because of position is potential energy. When an object is higher, it has gravitational potential energy that depends on its mass, height, and the strength of gravity; this energy can become kinetic energy if the object starts moving, such as it falling. In contrast, kinetic energy is energy of motion, chemical energy is stored in chemical bonds, and thermal energy comes from temperature and the random motion of particles. Because the question focuses on energy stored due to position, potential energy is the correct idea.

Energy stored because of position is potential energy. When an object is higher, it has gravitational potential energy that depends on its mass, height, and the strength of gravity; this energy can become kinetic energy if the object starts moving, such as it falling. In contrast, kinetic energy is energy of motion, chemical energy is stored in chemical bonds, and thermal energy comes from temperature and the random motion of particles. Because the question focuses on energy stored due to position, potential energy is the correct idea.