In physics, energy is defined as the ability to do which of the following?

• A. $\text{heat}$
• B. $\text{force}$
• C. $\text{motion}$
• D. $\text{work}$

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of energy in physics: Energy is defined as the ability to do work.
2. Clarify what 'work' means in physics: Work is done when a force causes displacement of an object in the direction of the force.
3. Recognize that energy is not simply heat, force, or motion, but the capacity to perform work, which can result in motion, heat, or other effects.
4. Recall the formula for work: \(W = F \times d \times \cos(\theta)\), where \(F\) is force, \(d\) is displacement, and \(\theta\) is the angle between force and displacement.
5. Conclude that since energy is the ability to do work, it is fundamentally linked to the capacity to apply force over a distance to cause displacement.