In discussing the dynamics of energy, two forms, often found in physics, are noteworthy: the energy of motion and the energy of position. The former refers to the energy which a substance possesses due to its motion. It is directly proportional to the mass of the object and the square of its velocity. The equation typically used is 1/2mv^2.
The latter, conversely, is the energy that an object holds because of its position relative to other objects, stresses within itself, its electric charge, or other factors. It can further be segmented into gravitational, elastic, electrostatic, and chemical forms. For instance, a book on a high shelf has greater ‘energy of position’ than the same book on a lower shelf.
Both forms play crucial roles in the conservation of energy principle, signifying that energy can neither be created nor destroyed. Instead, it can change from one form to another. For example, when a stone is thrown upwards, as it rises and slows down, the energy of motion gradually transforms into the energy of position. Conversely, as the stone descends, its energy of position changes back into its energy of motion.