Which of the following is listed as a form of energy?

• A. Volume
• B. Velocity
• C. Thermal energy
• D. Momentum

Answer: (C)

Energy comes in different forms that describe the ability to do work or cause change. Thermal energy is the energy stored in the microscopic motion and interactions of particles inside a substance; temperature reflects this internal energy and it can be transferred as heat. The other options describe quantities or properties rather than energy themselves: volume is a measure of space, velocity is a speed with direction, and momentum is the quantity of motion (mass times velocity). Because thermal energy captures the internal energy content of matter, it is the form of energy listed.