What is kinetic energy?

• A. Stored energy
• B. Energy of motion
• C. Thermal energy
• D. Gravitational energy

Answer: (B)

Kinetic energy is the energy an object has because it is in motion. It depends on both how heavy the object is and how fast it’s moving, with speed having a strong effect because the velocity is squared in the formula KE = 1/2 m v^2. This means a heavier object or a faster object carries more energy that can be transformed into work, such as when it collides with something and transfers energy. For example, a moving car has kinetic energy, while a parked car does not. Other types of energy describe energy due to position or temperature—stored energy is potential energy, thermal energy relates to temperature and microscopic motion, and gravitational energy is a form of potential energy from height in a gravity field. Kinetic energy specifically captures energy of motion.