A bamboo stick bent into the shape of a bow possesses potential energy primarily due to:

The correct option is

A change in its configuration

Explanation

Energy is defined as the capacity to do work. Mechanical energy is broadly classified into Kinetic Energy (possessed due to motion) and Potential Energy (possessed due to position or configuration).

Detailed Analysis:

• Change in Configuration (Elastic Potential Energy): When a bamboo stick is bent, external work is done against the internal elastic restoring forces of the material. This work is stored in the body as energy. Since this energy arises from the deformation or change in the shape and size (configuration) of the object, it is termed Elastic Potential Energy.
• Elevation (Gravitational Potential Energy): Energy possessed by a body due to its height above a reference level (ground) is Gravitational Potential Energy. The bending of the bow is independent of its height from the ground.
• Velocity (Kinetic Energy): Energy possessed due to motion is Kinetic Energy. A bent bow held in a stationary position has zero velocity, and thus zero kinetic energy.

Key Takeaway:

Potential energy is stored energy. If it arises from height, it is Gravitational Potential Energy; if it arises from deformation or a change in configuration (stretching, compressing, or bending), it is Elastic Potential Energy.