What describes potential energy (PE)?

Potential energy (PE) is best described as the energy stored in a body due to its height or position within a gravitational field. This energy arises from the gravitational pull acting on the mass of the object, meaning that an object elevated to a certain height possesses energy that can be converted to kinetic energy if it falls.

When considering how potential energy relates to the ability of a body to do work, it is important to recognize that this energy is indeed dependent on the object's position. An elevated object has the potential to perform work when its position changes, such as falling to a lower level. This describes the essence of potential energy; it is fundamentally linked to the object's capability to exert force as a result of its position in a gravitational field.

In essence, potential energy is defined by its capacity to be converted into kinetic energy when an object moves. This capability illustrates the concept of stored energy based on position, making it intrinsically connected to both potential energy and the work it can perform.