What term describes the energy of motion?

The term that describes the energy of motion is kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is specifically defined as the energy an object possesses due to its motion. The amount of kinetic energy an object has depends on two factors: its mass and its velocity. In mathematical terms, it is expressed by the formula KE = 1/2 mv², where m is the mass and v is the velocity of the object.

In contrast, potential energy refers to the stored energy of an object based on its position or state. Mechanical energy encompasses the total energy of an object, considering both kinetic and potential energy; it is the sum of these two forms. Stored energy could be synonymous with potential energy but does not encapsulate the concept of motion. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the different types of energy in physics and their applications in various contexts.