What type of energy does an object in motion possess?

An object in motion possesses kinetic energy. This form of energy is specifically associated with the movement of an object. The amount of kinetic energy that an object has is determined by its mass and the square of its velocity, as described by the formula ( KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 ).

In a practical sense, when a firefighter, for instance, is running to a fire scene, the speed at which they are moving directly contributes to their kinetic energy. The faster they run, the more kinetic energy they acquire, making them capable of covering ground more quickly, which is crucial in emergency situations where every second counts.

Potential energy, on the other hand, is related to an object's position or condition rather than its motion. Thermal energy refers to the energy that comes from the temperature of the matter, and chemical energy pertains to the energy stored within the bonds of chemical compounds. None of these options describe the energy associated with motion, which uniquely identifies kinetic energy as the correct answer.