potential energy 
noun [mass noun] Physics
The energy possessed by a body by virtue of its position relative to others, stresses within itself, electric charge, and other factors. Compare with kinetic energy.Ah, the joys of watching gravitational potential energy convert into kinetic energy....
- The molecules convert their kinetic energy into potential energy when they rise into the air just like the ball did.
- He criticised Descartes' ideas of mechanics and examined what are effectively kinetic energy, potential energy and momentum.