Which property is defined as the ability to do work and has kinetic and potential forms?

• A. Temperature
• B. Energy
• C. Pressure
• D. Volume

Answer: (B)

Energy is the ability to do work, and it exists in two common mechanical forms: kinetic energy from motion and potential energy from position or configuration. The amount of energy a system has determines how much work it can perform as it changes—motion can transfer energy into work, and height or deformation can store energy that becomes work later. The total mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic and potential energy, and in broader contexts energy can take other forms as well, but these two are the core representations of the work-capacity idea. Temperature relates to the average kinetic energy of particles but does not define work capability; pressure is a force per area, and volume describes space occupied—neither directly defines the ability to do work.