When energy is inactive or stored, we call it:
Group of answer choices
A Work energy.
B Kinetic energy.
C Genetic energy.
D Potential energy.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Potential energy.
Potential energy is the energy that is stored in an object due to its position, state, or condition. It is “inactive” because it has the capacity to do work but is not currently being utilized. One common example is gravitational potential energy, which depends on the height of an object relative to the ground. The higher an object is, the more potential energy it has. If that object falls, the stored potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion.
In physics, potential energy is considered a form of energy because it has the ability to perform work. For instance, when an object is lifted against gravity, work is done to increase its potential energy. The potential energy can be released when the object is allowed to fall, and this energy can then be used to perform work.
Potential energy is also found in other forms, like elastic potential energy stored in compressed springs or chemical potential energy stored in the bonds of molecules. For example, a stretched rubber band or a compressed spring stores potential energy that can be converted into motion when released.
Understanding potential energy is key in many fields, including mechanical engineering, biology, and even chemistry, where it plays a crucial role in the formation and breakdown of chemical bonds. The concept also helps in understanding energy conservation principles, such as how energy is transformed from one form to another but is never lost in a closed system.