What type of energy is an object said to possess due to its position or arrangement?

An object possesses potential energy due to its position or arrangement in relation to other objects or forces. This energy exists when the object is in a position that has the potential to do work, such as an object held at a height above the ground. For example, a book placed on a shelf has gravitational potential energy because it has the potential to fall if it is released. Similarly, a compressed spring holds potential energy because of its arrangement and the forces acting on it.

In contrast, kinetic energy is associated with the motion of an object; thermal energy relates to the temperature and movement of particles within a substance; and mechanical energy is the sum of both potential and kinetic energy in a system. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why potential energy specifically relates to an object's position or arrangement.