What type of energy is stored in an object due to its position or state?

Potential energy is the type of energy stored in an object due to its position or state. This kind of energy is related to the configuration of an object within a force field, such as gravitational or elastic forces. For example, when an object is lifted to a height, it gains gravitational potential energy because of its elevated position relative to the ground. Similarly, a compressed spring has elastic potential energy because of its condition under compression.

The other types of energy listed represent different forms of energy. Solar energy refers to the energy from sunlight, which is harnessed through various technologies like solar panels. Thermal energy is related to the temperature of an object and the motion of its particles; it is the energy derived from heat. Mechanical energy is a broader term that encompasses both kinetic and potential energy, representing the energy associated with the motion or position of an object, but it does not specifically refer to the energy stored due to position alone.