Question

Where does potential energy come from?

Answer 1

potential energy comes from the buildup of pressure or stress. lets say, for example, that a rubber band is being stretched and then kept at its max stretching point. at this point if it is to be let go, it would fly off. why? because of its potential energy turning into kinetic. the stress of the rubber band being stretched gives it the potential energy to turn into kinetic, therefore causing it to fly off. i hope this helps :)

Answer 2

Potential energy is always stored in something. It comes
from whatever put the energy in there in the first place.

Examples:

Gravitational potential energy . . . a bowling ball on a high shelf.
The energy came from the muscles of the person who lifted it there.

Food potential energy . . . the calories in bread/flour/wheat.
The energy came from the sun, absorbed by the growing plant.

Elastic potential energy . . . in a stretched spring or rubber band.
The energy came from whoever or whatever stretched it.