What is potential energy?

Potential energy is defined as the energy stored in an object due to its position relative to a reference point. This type of energy arises from gravitational, elastic, or electrostatic forces, and it reflects the potential for the object to do work based on its position or arrangement.

For instance, when an object is lifted to a higher elevation, it gains gravitational potential energy because of its position in a gravitational field. If dropped, this stored energy can be converted into kinetic energy, which is energy of motion.

In the context of the other options, energy of motion refers to kinetic energy, which describes energy resulting from an object's movement, while the energy associated with mass in motion also pertains to kinetic energy. The total energy of an object encompasses both kinetic and potential energy, but it is a broader concept and does not specifically define potential energy alone. Thus, the distinction made in defining potential energy is central to understanding its role in physical systems.