Which of the following is an example of potential energy?

• A. A stretched spring held at rest
• B. A moving car on a highway
• C. A spinning wheel
• D. A ball falling freely toward the ground

Answer: (A)

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 kinetic energy or other forms of energy.
2. Identify each option and analyze whether it represents stored energy (potential) or energy of motion (kinetic).
3. A moving car on a highway has kinetic energy because it is in motion.
4. A spinning wheel also has kinetic energy due to its rotational motion.
5. A ball falling freely toward the ground has kinetic energy as it moves under gravity, while a stretched spring held at rest stores energy due to its deformation, which is an example of potential energy.