What is potential energy?

Potential energy is defined as the energy stored in an object due to its position relative to other objects or its state. This stored energy is a result of an object's height, gravitational force, and its configuration. For instance, a rock at the top of a hill has gravitational potential energy because it has the potential to fall to a lower height due to gravity.

In contrast, energy in motion is referred to as kinetic energy, which is distinctly different from potential energy as it concerns the energy an object possesses due to its movement. Energy transferred by a force relates to concepts like work, which involves changes in energy rather than storage. Lastly, energy generated by movement also pertains to kinetic energy, emphasizing the active aspect of energy transformation rather than the passive storage inherent in potential energy. Thus, the definition of potential energy as stored energy is the most accurate representation of the concept.