What is the term for the energy of motion?

The term for the energy of motion is kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its movement. It depends on two key factors: the mass of the object and its velocity (speed with a direction). The formula for kinetic energy is given as ( KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 ), where ( m ) is the mass and ( v ) is the velocity. This means that as either the mass of an object or its speed increases, its kinetic energy increases as well, showcasing the relationship between energy and motion.

In contrast, potential energy refers to the stored energy in an object due to its position or condition, such as an object held at a height or a compressed spring. Thermal energy relates to the internal energy present in a system due to its temperature, while mechanical energy encompasses both kinetic and potential energy in a system, but does not specifically define the energy of motion. Therefore, kinetic energy is the precise term that identifies energy derived from the motion of an object.