Gravitational potential energy is the potential energy associated with the gravitational field, which is released (converted into kinetic energy) when objects fall towards each other. Gravitational potential energy increases when two objects are brought further apart such as when an object is in a higher position relative to Earth's surface.

Elastic potential energy occurs when objects are impermanently compressed, stretched, or generally deformed in any manner. The energy is potential as it will be converted into other forms of energy such as kinetic energy and sound energy when the object is allowed to return to its original shape (reformation) by its elasticity.

Some examples of chemical potential energy exist in storage media, including batteries, food, gasoline, and oxygen gas. Breaking and re-making of chemical bonds involves energy, which may be either absorbed by or given off from a chemical system.

The kinetic energy of an object is caused by the motion of objects or particles within a system. The amount of kinetic energy an object has is related to the mass and velocity of the object.