Which term refers to the energy of an object due to its motion?

Kinetic energy is defined as the energy of an object due to its motion. This concept is fundamental in both physics and chemistry, where it's recognized that any object in motion possesses kinetic energy, which is mathematically expressed as one-half the mass of the object times the square of its velocity (KE = 1/2 mv²). This means that the faster an object moves or the more massive it is, the greater its kinetic energy will be.

The other types of energy listed serve different roles. Potential energy relates to the position of an object within a field of force (like gravitational or elastic). Chemical energy comes from the potential energy stored within the bonds of chemical compounds, and radiant energy pertains to energy carried by electromagnetic waves, such as light. In contrast, kinetic energy is specifically connected to the motion of an object, making it the correct choice for this question.