Question

Which form of energy does a body possess because of its motion, that is, the energy that is used to move an object?

Hint:

This is the energy a body has only because it is moving, given by half m v squared.

Answer 1

Step 1: Energy related to motion is different from energy stored due to position or state.

Step 2: When a force does work on a body and sets it moving, that work gets converted into the energy of motion of the body.

Step 3: This energy of motion is called kinetic energy, given by the formula \( KE = \dfrac{1}{2}mv^2 \), where \( m \) is the mass of the body and \( v \) is its speed.

Step 4: A moving car, a thrown ball, and a flowing river all possess kinetic energy because they are in motion, and this energy is what allows a moving object to do work, such as pushing something else.

Answer: The energy used to move an object, that is, energy due to motion, is kinetic energy.