Potential Energy is defined as...

Potential Energy is defined as...

• A. Energy of motion
• B. Energy that is created during reactions
• C. Energy flowing through a circuit
• D. Stored Energy

Answer: (D)

Potential energy is energy stored due to an object's position or configuration, ready to do work. It differs from kinetic energy, which is energy of motion. For example, a rock high on a hill has gravitational potential energy because its height gives it the potential to do work if it falls. A compressed spring stores elastic potential energy that can be released when the spring is allowed to move. In chemistry, bonds store potential energy that can be released during reactions. When the object moves, this stored energy can be converted into kinetic energy. Energy flowing through a circuit describes energy transfer, not stored energy, and energy created during reactions isn’t how potential energy is defined. That’s why the correct choice is stored energy.

Potential energy is energy stored due to an object's position or configuration, ready to do work. It differs from kinetic energy, which is energy of motion. For example, a rock high on a hill has gravitational potential energy because its height gives it the potential to do work if it falls. A compressed spring stores elastic potential energy that can be released when the spring is allowed to move. In chemistry, bonds store potential energy that can be released during reactions. When the object moves, this stored energy can be converted into kinetic energy. Energy flowing through a circuit describes energy transfer, not stored energy, and energy created during reactions isn’t how potential energy is defined. That’s why the correct choice is stored energy.