If an object is in motion, which type of energy does it possess?

When an object is in motion, it possesses kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is defined as the energy of an object due to its motion, which varies depending on its mass and velocity. The formula for kinetic energy is ( KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 ), where ( m ) stands for mass and ( v ) represents velocity.

In contrast, potential energy is associated with an object's position or condition rather than its motion. For example, an object held at a height has gravitational potential energy, which can be converted to kinetic energy if it falls. Thermal energy relates to the internal energy in substances due to their temperature and motion of particles but is not specifically tied to the motion of larger objects. Lastly, static energy refers to the energy in an object at rest or in a stable position, which again does not apply to moving objects. Thus, the correct type of energy for an object in motion is kinetic energy.