Which of the following is an example of potential rather than kinetic energy?

light flashes emitted by a firefly

a molecule of glucose

a crawling beetle foraging for food

water rushing over Niagara Falls

Answer: a molecule of glucose

Explanation:

Potential energy results from the position or configuration of an object, body or particle.

In the case of a system, the potential energy is the energy stored in it due to its configuration or position. Hence, if we want to measure it, it will be necessary to have a frame of reference.

In this context, there are several types of potential energy, but in this case we will talk about chemical potential energy, which is directly related to the configuration or structure of atoms and molecules in chemical bonds capable of storing energy.

A good example of this is our metabolism, which is fed by glucose. This is due to the oxidation process of the glucose molecule, whose bonds, when broken, release the chemical potential energy that was in them.

Therefore, a molecule of glucose is an example of potential energy. The other options are examples of kinetic energy, because are related to the energy in motion.