A catapult’s lever holds a cannonball. The lever is attached to a tightly held rope. When the rope is released, the lever springs forward and launches the cannonball. When the rope is held tightly, which form of energy does it possess?

The tightly held rope is stretched or under tension, so it stores energy because of its deformation. This stored energy is elastic potential energy, which is released when the rope is let go and helps the lever launch the cannonball. Therefore, the correct choice is elastic.

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