What is the capacity to do work or put matter into motion?

The concept of the capacity to do work or put matter into motion is defined as energy. Energy exists in various forms, including kinetic energy (the energy of motion), potential energy (stored energy based on position), thermal energy, and chemical energy, among others. In the context of physics and biology, energy is critical because it drives all biological processes, from muscle contractions to cellular respiration.

Force, power, and mass are related concepts, but they do not specifically define the capacity to do work. Force is a vector quantity that causes an object to accelerate, power refers to the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred, while mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object. Understanding the distinction among these terms highlights why energy is the appropriate answer, as it directly encapsulates the ability to perform work.