Which term defines potential energy?

Which term defines potential energy?

• A. Stored energy
• B. Kinetic energy
• C. Mechanical energy
• D. Radiant energy

Answer: (A)

Potential energy is energy that’s stored due to an object's position or configuration, and it remains in that state until something changes to release it. In rescue scenarios this matters because parts of a system can store energy—such as a raised or loaded component, a compressed spring, or a vehicle or object on a slope—that could release suddenly if not secured, converting that stored energy into motion or a force.

Stored energy directly defines potential energy because it’s all about energy waiting to be used rather than energy already in motion. The other terms don’t fit as well: kinetic energy is the energy of motion, not stored energy; mechanical energy is the total amount of energy (both potential and kinetic) in a system; radiant energy is energy carried by light or other electromagnetic waves.