Question

Potential energy is energy possessed by an object due to its __________.

Answer 1

Energy is the ability to do work. Mechanical energy is the energy that an object possesses as a result of its motion or position. Potential Energy is a Mechanical Energy.In this question we try to write a formula for Potential Energy. Then we can drive factors affecting the Potential Energy.

Complete step by step answer:
Potential energy: Potential energy is a type of stored energy that is affected by the relative positions of various components in a system.
Because it can be turned into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy, it is called potential energy. In equations, potential energy is commonly denoted by the capital letter U or PE.
The formula for potential energy depends on the force acting on the two objects.
$PE = mgh$
Where,
m is the mass in kilograms
g is the acceleration due to gravity
h is the height in meters
So, we can say the energy possessed by an object as a result of its position is known as potential energy.

Additional information :
Types of potential energy
Gravitational Potential Energy: An object's gravitational potential energy is defined as the energy it has when it climbs to a particular height against gravity.
Elastic Potential Energy: The energy held in items that can be squeezed or stretched is referred to as elastic potential energy.

Note:
Kinetic energy: An object's kinetic energy is the energy it has as a result of its motion. It is the amount of work required to accelerate a body of a given mass from rest to a certain velocity. The body retains its kinetic energy after gaining it during acceleration unless its speed changes.
$KE = \dfrac{1}{2}m{v^2}$
Where,
m is the mass in kilograms
v is the velocity.