What type of energy is associated with an object's position?

Potential energy is the type of energy associated with an object's position. It is the stored energy that an object possesses due to its position in a force field, such as gravity or elasticity. For example, when an object is held at a height above the ground, it has gravitational potential energy because of its position relative to the Earth. This energy can be converted into kinetic energy if the object is allowed to fall.

Understanding potential energy is crucial in physics because it plays a significant role in various phenomena, such as the operation of roller coasters, pendulums, and even in the functioning of batteries. The concept illustrates how energy can be stored and transformed based on an object's location and the forces acting upon it.