Final answer:
Energy is classified as kinetic when it is in motion and as potential when it is stored because of an object's position, condition, or composition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Energy can be classified into two main types: kinetic energy and potential energy. Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. For example, a ball being thrown has kinetic energy because it is moving. On the other hand, potential energy is the energy stored in an object because of its position, composition, or condition. This can also be referred to as stored energy. A ball held at a height has potential energy because of its position above the ground.
Water sitting at the top of a waterfall has potential energy, which is converted to kinetic energy as it falls and flows through generators at a hydroelectric plant. Similarly, a battery contains chemical potential energy that can be converted to electrical energy to perform work. When an object's position or condition changes, such as a brick falling from a ledge, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which may then do work on another object it encounters.