Which type of energy is associated with an object's motion?

Kinetic energy is defined as the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. This form of energy increases with the speed of the object and is calculated using the formula 1/2 mv², where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity. Essentially, the faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has. This concept is fundamental in physics and helps explain why moving objects can do work, such as a rolling ball striking a target.

Potential energy, on the other hand, refers to stored energy based on an object's position or state, such as an object held at height or in a compressed spring. Chemical energy involves the energy stored in chemical bonds of molecules, which can be released during chemical reactions. Nuclear energy is the energy stored within the nucleus of an atom, which can be released during nuclear reactions or decay. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping how different forms of energy function in various contexts.