Kinetic energy (KE) is defined as:

Kinetic energy is fundamentally the energy that a body possesses due to its motion. This definition aligns precisely with the concept of kinetic energy in physics, which is mathematically represented as KE = 1/2 mv², where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity. Essentially, the faster an object moves and the more mass it has, the greater its kinetic energy.

Understanding kinetic energy in terms of motion is crucial because it emphasizes that energy arises from the velocities at which objects move; this is what allows them to perform work when they collide with other objects or exert forces on their surroundings. Therefore, the ability of a body to do work based on how fast it is moving captures the essence of kinetic energy, making this option the most accurate representation of its definition.

In contrast, the other options suggest alternative interpretations. Potential energy, transformation from potential energy, or the energy required to initiate movement do not encapsulate the essential characteristic of kinetic energy, which is inherently linked to motion itself.