In which of the following situations is potential energy being stored?  

The Correct answer is Stretching a rubber band.

Key Points

• Potential energy is the energy stored within an object due to its position, condition, or configuration.
• When a rubber band is stretched, it undergoes a change in its configuration, storing elastic potential energy.
• The energy stored depends on the extent of stretching, governed by the material's elastic properties.
• Elastic potential energy is a type of mechanical energy that can be released when the object returns to its original shape.
• This concept is widely applied in various devices, such as springs, slingshots, and bows, which depend on the storage and release of elastic potential energy.
• Stretching a rubber band demonstrates the principle of energy conservation, where potential energy transforms into other forms, such as kinetic energy, when released.

 Additional Information

• Pushing a vehicle on a plane road
  • Pushing a vehicle involves kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion, rather than potential energy.
  • The energy exerted here is used to overcome frictional forces and move the vehicle forward.
  • This scenario does not involve storing energy in the system.
• Moving a pencil across a table
  • Similar to pushing a vehicle, moving a pencil involves kinetic energy instead of potential energy.
  • The energy is applied to overcome surface friction and move the object.
  • No energy is stored in this process.
• Lighting a matchstick
  • Lighting a matchstick is a process that involves chemical energy, not potential energy.
  • The chemical energy stored in the matchstick is released as heat and light energy when ignited.
  • This scenario does not represent the storage of energy but rather its conversion.