storedenergy

Stored energy is energy that is presently confined within an object or system and is available to do work when it is released or transformed. It encompasses energy that is held in position, configuration, bonds, fields, or phase state rather than energy currently being transferred or kinetic energy in motion.

Mechanical stored energy includes potential energy due to position in a gravitational field (gravitational potential energy) and elastic potential energy stored in deformed springs or structures.

Chemical stored energy resides in chemical bonds; it is released by chemical reactions, powering engines, metabolism, and batteries.

Electrical and magnetic stored energy is held in electric and magnetic fields; capacitors store energy U = 1/2 C V^2, and inductors store energy U = 1/2 L I^2. Magnetic energy is associated with current in coils and other magnetic fields.

Thermal stored energy is the internal energy of a system; materials can store heat sensibly or via latent heat in phase transitions, such as melting or freezing.

Nuclear stored energy exists in the binding energy of atomic nuclei and can be released in fission or fusion.

Measurement of stored energy uses joules in scientific contexts; larger-scale storage is commonly described in kilowatt-hours for practical applications.

Applications and considerations include energy storage systems for vehicles and the electrical grid, thermal management, and safety concerns related to the handling and release of high-energy stored forms such as large capacitors, flywheels, or pressurized vessels. Understanding stored energy helps in design, efficiency, and risk assessment across engineering and physics.