How is potential energy defined?

Potential energy is defined as stored energy that an object possesses due to its position or state. This form of energy is related to the gravitational force acting on an object at a height above the ground or the configuration of an object, such as the energy stored in a compressed spring or in chemical bonds.

For example, a rock held at a height has gravitational potential energy because of its position relative to the ground. The higher the rock is, the greater its potential energy, as it has the capacity to do work if it falls. Similarly, a spring that is compressed or stretched contains potential energy related to its state.

The other choices describe different forms or aspects of energy: energy in motion refers to kinetic energy, immediate usable energy does not accurately reflect how potential energy works, and energy lost during a chemical reaction may pertain to various energy transformations but does not exclusively define potential energy. Thus, the correct understanding of potential energy hinges on its identification as stored energy, linked closely with an object's position or state.