Which of the following best defines kinetic energy?

• A. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion.
• B. Kinetic energy is the energy relative to position.
• C. Kinetic energy is the energy available to do work.
• D. Kinetic energy may be transformed into potential energy.
• E. Kinetic energy is the energy associated with temperature.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that kinetic energy is a fundamental concept in physics and chemistry, referring to the energy an object possesses due to its motion.
2. Recognize that the correct definition of kinetic energy is 'the energy of motion.' This means any object that is moving has kinetic energy.
3. Differentiate kinetic energy from potential energy, which is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state.
4. Acknowledge that while kinetic energy can be transformed into potential energy and vice versa, this transformation does not define kinetic energy itself.
5. Note that kinetic energy is related to temperature because the temperature of a substance is a measure of the average kinetic energy of its particles, but this is not the definition of kinetic energy.