What is defined as kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy is defined as the energy of an object in motion. It is directly related to the mass of the object and the velocity at which it is moving. When an object is in motion, it possesses kinetic energy because it has the potential to do work due to its movement. The formula for calculating kinetic energy is KE = 1/2 mv², where m represents the mass of the object and v represents its velocity.

In contrast, the other options describe different forms of energy. The first option relates to potential energy, which is energy stored in an object based on its position or configuration. The second option refers to an object at rest, which has no kinetic energy due to lack of motion. The fourth option pertains to the energy released during chemical reactions, which is a different form of energy altogether known as chemical energy. Understanding kinetic energy is crucial for analyzing motion and dynamics in various scientific contexts.