Which of the following statements is true regarding $\mathrm{potential} \mathrm{energy}$ and $\mathrm{kinetic} \mathrm{energy}$?

• A. Both $\mathrm{kinetic} \mathrm{energy}$ and $\mathrm{potential} \mathrm{energy}$ are only present when an object is at rest.
• B. $\mathrm{Kinetic} \mathrm{energy}$ is the energy of motion, while $\mathrm{potential} \mathrm{energy}$ is stored energy due to an object's position or configuration.
• C. $\mathrm{Kinetic} \mathrm{energy}$ and $\mathrm{potential} \mathrm{energy}$ are always equal for any object.
• D. $\mathrm{Potential} \mathrm{energy}$ is the energy of motion, while $\mathrm{kinetic} \mathrm{energy}$ is stored energy due to an object's position.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions of kinetic and potential energy: Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, while potential energy is the energy stored in an object because of its position or configuration.
2. Recall that kinetic energy depends on the velocity of the object and is given by the formula \(E_k = \frac{1}{2} m v^2\), where \(m\) is mass and \(v\) is velocity.
3. Recognize that potential energy depends on the position or configuration of the object, such as gravitational potential energy \(E_p = m g h\), where \(m\) is mass, \(g\) is acceleration due to gravity, and \(h\) is height.
4. Note that kinetic energy is zero when the object is at rest (velocity is zero), but potential energy can still be present if the object is positioned in a way that stores energy (e.g., elevated height).
5. Conclude that the correct statement is: 'Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, while potential energy is stored energy due to an object's position or configuration.'