What is defined as the total energy of an object due to its position and motion?

The concept of total energy in relation to an object considers both its position and motion, which is precisely what mechanical energy encompasses. Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy (the energy of motion) and potential energy (the energy stored due to an object's position in a gravitational field or other forces).

Kinetic energy specifically refers only to the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. It does not account for potential energy, which is critical for understanding the total energy of an object, especially in situations where an object can be at various heights or positions.

Potential energy, on its own, is the energy that an object has based on its position or arrangement, such as an object held at a height relative to the ground. While potential energy is a component of mechanical energy, it does not encompass all aspects of an object's energy, especially in motion.

Thermal energy pertains to the energy of an object due to its temperature, which involves the microscopic motion of particles rather than macroscopic motion and position. This type of energy is distinct from the mechanical energy that includes both kinetic and potential energies.

Therefore, mechanical energy properly represents the total energy of an object as it accounts for both its position and motion, making it the correct answer for the question posed