What type of energy is stored due to an object's position in a gravitational field?

• A. $\mathrm{Gravitational} \mathrm{Potential} \mathrm{Energy}$
• B. $\mathrm{Elastic} \mathrm{Potential} \mathrm{Energy}$
• C. $\mathrm{Thermal} \mathrm{Energy}$
• D. $\mathrm{Kinetic} \mathrm{Energy}$

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the concept of potential energy, which is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration.
2. Understand that gravitational potential energy is specifically the energy stored due to an object's position in a gravitational field.
3. Recognize that gravitational potential energy depends on the object's mass, the height above a reference point, and the gravitational field strength.
4. Differentiate gravitational potential energy from other forms of energy such as elastic potential energy, which is stored in objects that can be stretched or compressed, and kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion.
5. Conclude that the type of energy stored due to an object's position in a gravitational field is gravitational potential energy.