In mechanics and energy concepts, the energy associated with the motion of an object due to its mass and velocity is called what type of energy?

Introduction / Context:
In physics, energy appears in many forms, including potential energy, kinetic energy, thermal energy and more. Two of the most basic forms studied in mechanics are potential energy, which depends on position or configuration, and kinetic energy, which depends on motion. This question asks you to identify the name given to the energy associated specifically with the motion of an object.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Kinetic energy is related to an object mass and velocity.
• Potential energy is associated with position in a field (such as gravitational or elastic) or configuration.
• The question clearly refers to energy due to motion.
• The formulas and definitions from basic mechanics apply.

Concept / Approach:
Kinetic energy (KE) is defined in classical mechanics as KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is its speed. This form of energy increases as either the mass or the speed increases, and it is zero when the object is at rest (v = 0). Potential energy (PE), in contrast, is stored due to position or configuration, such as an object held at height in a gravitational field or a compressed spring. Although potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy and vice versa, the term kinetic energy specifically refers to the energy of motion.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the definition of kinetic energy: KE = 1/2 * m * v^2.Step 2: Recognise that this formula explicitly depends on the object motion through velocity v.Step 3: Note that if v = 0 (the object is at rest), then KE = 0, meaning no energy of motion.Step 4: Identify that potential energy depends on position (for example, m * g * h for gravitational potential energy).Step 5: Understand that the question refers only to energy associated with motion, not stored energy by position.Step 6: Conclude that the correct term for energy of motion is kinetic energy.

Verification / Alternative check:
Examples from everyday life illustrate kinetic energy clearly. A moving car, a thrown ball and a flowing river all possess kinetic energy because of their motion. When the car brakes and stops, its kinetic energy is transformed into heat and other forms. When a roller coaster descends from a hill, its gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, increasing its speed. Textbooks consistently name the energy of motion as kinetic energy and reserve potential energy for position-based energy, confirming the terminology.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Potential energy refers to stored energy due to position or configuration and is not directly tied to motion; in fact, an object can have potential energy even when at rest. Saying both potential and kinetic energy together does not answer the question, which specifically asks about energy associated with motion alone. Stored energy with no motion is more closely linked to potential energy, not kinetic energy.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse potential and kinetic energy when dealing with problems where one changes into the other, such as in pendulums or falling objects. They might think both are always present simultaneously. While systems often involve both forms, each term has a distinct definition. To avoid confusion, remember: kinetic energy is tied directly to speed; if there is no motion, there is no kinetic energy.

Final Answer:
The energy associated with the motion of an object is called kinetic energy.