What energy stores are involved when activating a circuit with a battery and motor?

The correct answer highlights the transformation of energy that occurs when a circuit is activated with a battery and a motor. In this scenario, the battery serves as a source of stored energy in the form of chemical energy. When the circuit is completed, the chemical energy from the battery is converted into electrical energy, which then powers the motor.

As the motor operates, it transforms this electrical energy into kinetic energy, enabling movement or mechanical work. This process illustrates the relationship between stored energy and energy in motion. Therefore, the transition from chemical energy within the battery to kinetic energy produced by the motor is a fundamental aspect of how batteries power electrical devices.

Other options present energy stores that do not accurately reflect the functioning of a battery and motor system. For instance, mechanical to thermal energy relates more to friction or resistance in a system, whereas gravitational to chemical energy does not occur in this context. Lastly, thermal energy to electric energy would imply a conversion that is not central to the operation of a battery powering a motor.