What does electric potential energy refer to?

Electric potential energy refers to the energy that a charged object possesses due to its position within an electric field. When a charge is situated in an electric field, it experiences a force, and the potential energy is determined by its location in relation to other charges and the configuration of the field itself. This energy is a result of the electrostatic forces acting between charged particles, and it can be converted into kinetic energy if the charged object moves within the field.

In this context, the correct answer highlights the relationship between a charged object’s position and the energy it holds due to that specific location. This concept is crucial in understanding how electric fields work, how charges interact, and how energy can be transferred in electrical systems.