Final answer:
Potential energy is the type of energy defined as stored energy, contained within an object because of its position, state, or composition, and is distinct from kinetic energy, the energy of motion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of energy that can be defined as stored energy is potential energy. Unlike kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion, potential energy is the energy contained within an object due to its position, state, or composition. For example, a brick on the edge of a rooftop has potential energy because of its elevated position. If it falls, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as it moves toward the ground.
Many everyday objects have potential energy; batteries store chemical potential energy, and water at the top of a waterfall or dam has gravitational potential energy. When these objects undergo a change, the stored energy can do work, such as generating electricity when water flows through a hydroelectric plant. Therefore, stored energy is a crucial concept in understanding various energy transformations in our world.