Which term describes energy stored due to an object's position in a gravitational field?

• A. Kinetic energy
• B. Thermal energy
• C. Chemical energy
• D. Potential energy

Answer: (D)

Energy stored because of an object's height in a gravity field is a form of potential energy. Potential energy is energy held in reserve due to position within a force field. In gravity, lifting a mass to height h gives gravitational potential energy roughly equal to mgh (near Earth’s surface), which can be released as the object falls and converts to kinetic energy. This distinguishes it from kinetic energy, which is energy of motion; thermal energy, which comes from temperature-driven microscopic motion; and chemical energy, which is stored in chemical bonds. So the term that best describes energy stored due to position in a gravitational field is potential energy (specifically gravitational potential energy).