The definition of potential energy is the energy that is absorbed within an object. The object is holding but not using the energy. In contrast, kinetic energy is the energy of motion so whenever something is moving it has kinetic energy.
The most classic example of going from potential to kinetic energy is the idea of a roller coaster. Once the roller coaster is going up towards a hill, it’s building up in potential energy. Once the coaster comes to the top of the hill, it contains total potential energy. And while the coaster begins to come down and pick up speed, this potential energy is being transferred as kinetic energy.
