What is the energy of an object due to its motion called?

The energy of an object due to its motion is referred to as kinetic energy. This form of energy is directly related to the mass of the object and the square of its velocity; specifically, it can be calculated using the formula ( KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 ), where ( m ) is the mass and ( v ) is the velocity. Kinetic energy is a foundational concept in physics that highlights how energy is not solely a static property but can change based on the movement of an object.

In contrast, potential energy refers to the stored energy due to an object's position or configuration, while mechanical energy encompasses both potential and kinetic energy in a system. "Active energy" is not a standard term used in physics, making it an incorrect choice in this context. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why kinetic energy is specifically tied to motion, making it the correct answer.