Which of the following is an example of kinetic energy?

• A. A stretched bow ready to shoot an arrow
• B. A battery storing electrical energy
• C. A moving car traveling down the highway
• D. Water held behind a dam

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of kinetic energy: it is the energy an object possesses due to its motion.
2. Identify each option and classify the type of energy involved: a stretched bow has elastic potential energy, a battery stores chemical potential energy, a moving car has kinetic energy, and water held behind a dam has gravitational potential energy.
3. Recall that kinetic energy is given by the formula \(E_k = \frac{1}{2} m v^2\), where \(m\) is mass and \(v\) is velocity, emphasizing that motion is key.
4. Recognize that only the moving car is in motion, thus it is the example of kinetic energy among the options.
5. Conclude that the moving car traveling down the highway is the correct example of kinetic energy.