Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Practice Exam

Which type of energy is stored in an object's location or structure?

1. Chemical energy

2. Kinetic energy

3. Potential energy

4. Thermal energy

The correct answer is: Potential energy

Potential energy is defined as the energy that is stored in an object due to its position or arrangement. This form of energy is associated with the gravitational force acting on an object based on its height, or with elastic properties in objects like springs. For example, when an object is raised to a height, it possesses gravitational potential energy relative to the ground. Similarly, in the context of a compressed spring or stretched rubber band, the energy stored is due to the deformation of the object's structure, which can be released when the object returns to its original shape. In contrast, kinetic energy is the energy of motion, thermal energy relates to the internal energy of an object due to the temperature and motion of its particles, and chemical energy is stored in the bonds of chemical compounds. Each of these forms of energy has a different origin and mechanism of action, which is why potential energy stands alone as the type that specifically involves the storage of energy resulting from position or structural configuration.