Question

which statement best defines energy?
○ energy is the force applied over a distance.
○ energy is the ability to do work.
○ energy is the rate at which work is done.
○ energy is the motion of objects.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• "Energy is the force applied over a distance" defines work (since \( W = F \times d \)), not energy.
• "Energy is the ability to do work" is the correct scientific definition of energy.
• "Energy is the rate at which work is done" defines power ( \( P=\frac{W}{t} \) ), not energy.
• "Energy is the motion of objects" describes kinetic energy (a type of energy) but not the general definition of energy.

Answer:

B. Energy is the ability to do work.