$\text{Which of the following is considered a type of potential energy?}$

• A. $\text{Sound energy}$
• B. $\text{Gravitational potential energy}$
• C. $\text{Thermal energy}$
• D. $\text{Kinetic energy}$

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration, which can be converted into other forms of energy.
2. Identify the types of energy given: sound energy, gravitational potential energy, thermal energy, and kinetic energy.
3. Recall that sound energy is a form of mechanical wave energy, which is a type of kinetic energy, not stored energy.
4. Recognize that thermal energy relates to the internal energy of particles in a substance due to their motion, so it is not potential energy.
5. Note that kinetic energy is the energy of motion, so it is not potential energy, whereas gravitational potential energy is energy stored due to an object's position in a gravitational field, making it a type of potential energy.