GED Science Practice 2025 - Free GED Science Practice Questions and Study Guide

Kinetic energy is the type of energy possessed by a body in motion. This form of energy is directly related to the speed and mass of the object. The faster an object moves or the heavier it is, the more kinetic energy it carries. Kinetic energy can be mathematically expressed using the formula \( KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 \), where \( m \) represents the mass of the object and \( v \) represents its velocity. This illustrates a fundamental concept in physics that energy is connected to motion, making kinetic energy essential for understanding dynamics in various contexts, such as mechanics and various applications in daily life.

In contrast to kinetic energy, potential energy relates to an object's position or configuration. Thermal energy is associated with the temperature of an object and relates to its internal energy due to the motion of its particles. Cosmic energy, while a term used in various contexts, does not specifically define energy related to an object in motion.