Stored vs. Moving

Kinetic energy is energy of motion — a rolling ball, a flying bullet, a vibrating molecule. Potential energy is energy of position, stored and waiting. A ball at the top of a ramp has gravitational potential energy.

At the bottom of a ramp, all potential energy has become kinetic. If the ball bounces, kinetic converts back to potential as it rises. A stretched rubber band stores elastic potential energy. A charged battery stores chemical potential energy waiting for release.