When water is not moving, which kind of energy does it possess?

When water is not in motion, it possesses potential energy. This is due to its position relative to the ground or any other reference point. Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its elevated position or state, which in the case of water, can be influenced by factors such as elevation and gravitational pull. If the water were to be released or begin to move, this stored energy would convert into kinetic energy as it flows.

The term “residual” is often associated with leftover or remaining energy in a system but does not specifically describe stationary water. “Pent-up” typically conveys a sense of energy that is built up and waiting to be released, which might seem applicable but does not specifically denote the energy possessed by stationary water. “Stagnant,” on the other hand, refers to water that is not flowing or moving, but it does not correspond to a specific type of energy characteristic; rather, it describes the condition of the water itself. Hence, potential energy accurately captures the concept of energy held by water when it is not moving.