Which type of energy is defined as the ability of a body to do work due to its motion?

The correct choice is kinetic energy, which is the form of energy that an object possesses due to its motion. This energy is directly related to the mass of the object and the square of its velocity, as described by the formula ( \text{Kinetic Energy} = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 ), where ( m ) is mass and ( v ) is velocity. When an object is in motion, it has the capacity to do work on another object when it interacts with it, demonstrating its energy in the process. For example, a moving car can do work on another object it collides with due to its kinetic energy.

In contrast, potential energy relates to an object's position or state, such as an object positioned on a height where gravity can act on it, which is not indicative of motion. Maximum and minimum energy concepts do not specifically describe forms of energy in the context of motion or work; instead, they typically relate to peak values in different contexts. Hence, when considering the relationship between energy and motion, kinetic energy is the clear choice.