Which type of energy is stored in an object due to its position?

The correct answer is potential energy, which is defined as the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration. This form of energy is specifically associated with the height or distance of an object in a gravitational field, as well as with other forces like elastic potential energy in stretched or compressed materials. For example, a rock at the top of a hill has potential energy because of its elevated position, and when it falls, that stored energy can be converted into kinetic energy, the energy of motion.

Kinetic energy, on the other hand, is related to the movement of an object, so it does not pertain to energy stored due to position. Thermal energy is associated with the temperature and the internal energy of an object due to the motion of its particles. Chemical energy refers to the energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, which is different from potential energy in terms of position-related storage.