What does energy in motion refer to?

Energy in motion refers specifically to kinetic energy, which is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. This concept is fundamental in physics and can be observed in all forms of moving objects, whether they are as small as a flowing river or as large as a speeding airplane. Kinetic energy is directly related to both the mass of the object and the square of its velocity, making it a critical factor in understanding the movement and behavior of objects in various contexts, including aviation and physical sciences.

Potential energy, on the other hand, is the stored energy an object possesses due to its position or condition and does not imply motion. Pneumatic energy involves the energy stored in compressed air and is related to the work that can be done by that air when it is allowed to expand, but it is not specifically characterized as energy in motion. Thermal energy pertains to the internal energy present in a system due to its temperature, and it too does not define motion but rather the energy of molecular movement within materials.