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Kinetic energy is the type of energy associated with the movement of an object. It is defined as the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. The amount of kinetic energy depends on the mass of the object and the velocity at which it is moving, described mathematically by the formula KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

In contrast, potential energy is stored energy that depends on the position of an object, for example, an object held at a height has gravitational potential energy due to its position in a gravitational field. Chemical energy refers to the energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, which is released or absorbed during a chemical reaction. Thermal energy is related to the temperature of an object and arises from the kinetic energy of atoms and molecules in motion, but it is not directly linked to the movement of the object as a whole.

Thus, kinetic energy specifically identifies the energy of motion, making it the correct answer.