Which of the following best describes energy?

Energy is best described as the ability to work. In physics, work is defined as the transfer of energy that occurs when an object is moved over a distance by an external force. This definition highlights that energy is not just a measure of speed, heat, or weight, but rather a fundamental property that enables various processes and actions.

Energy exists in many forms, including kinetic, potential, thermal, and chemical energy, and can be transformed from one form to another but cannot be created or destroyed (according to the law of conservation of energy). This concept emphasizes that energy is fundamentally linked to the capacity to exert force and cause movement or change, which is at the core of work. For instance, a moving car (kinetic energy) can do work on an object by pushing it, illustrating how energy operates to enable work to occur in practical situations.