What is potential energy defined as?

Potential energy is defined as the energy stored within an object due to its position or configuration. This type of energy allows an object to do work when it is released or allowed to move. For instance, an object held at a height possesses gravitational potential energy, which depends on its height above the ground and the force of gravity acting on it. When the object is allowed to fall, this stored energy converts into kinetic energy, the energy of an object in motion. Understanding potential energy is crucial in various scientific contexts, including physics, engineering, and environmental science, as it helps explain the behavior of objects in gravitational fields and several other systems.