Here's why:

* Potential Energy: This is stored energy an object has due to its position or state.

* Gravity: The Earth's gravity pulls objects towards the ground. The higher an object is, the more potential energy it has because it has the potential to fall a greater distance and gain kinetic energy (energy of motion).

Example: A ball held high above the ground has more potential energy than a ball sitting on the ground. When you drop the ball, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as it falls.