What type of energy does a flywheel primarily store?

A flywheel primarily stores energy in the form of rotational energy. As a mechanical device specifically designed to efficiently store energy and maintain rotational motion, a flywheel captures kinetic energy when it is spun at high speeds. This kinetic energy is associated with the motion of the wheel as it rotates around its axis.

The importance of rotational energy in the context of a flywheel lies in its ability to deliver stored energy back to a system when needed, effectively smoothing out energy delivery and enhancing performance in applications such as engines and energy storage systems. This capability makes flywheels valuable in various engineering contexts where energy stabilization and management are crucial. Other energy forms, such as potential or electrical energy, do not apply to the function of a standard flywheel.