Ace the AP Biology Challenge 2026 – Unleash Your Inner Scientist and Conquer the Course!

Kinetic energy is defined as the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. The amount of kinetic energy an object has is directly related to its mass and the speed at which it is moving. Mathematically, kinetic energy can be expressed by the formula \(KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2\), where \(m\) is the mass of the object and \(v\) is its velocity. This energy is observable in everyday life; for example, a moving car or a running athlete both illustrate kinetic energy in action.

In contrast, potential energy refers to the energy stored within an object due to its position or state; commonly associated with gravitational potential energy, it measures how much energy is available to do work when the object is in a certain position. Chemical energy is stored in the bonds of chemical compounds and is released or absorbed in chemical reactions. Thermal energy relates to the temperature of an object and is associated with the movement of particles within it. Understanding these different forms of energy helps clarify why kinetic energy is specifically linked to motion.