Kinetic Energy Equation:
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Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. It depends on both the mass of the object and its velocity, following the formula KE = ½mv².
The calculator uses the kinetic energy equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that kinetic energy increases with the square of velocity, meaning doubling speed quadruples kinetic energy.
Details: Calculating kinetic energy is essential in physics, engineering, and safety analysis to understand the energy involved in moving objects, from vehicles to particles.
Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What are the units of kinetic energy?
A: The SI unit is Joules (J), where 1 J = 1 kg·m²/s².
Q2: How does kinetic energy relate to work?
A: The work done on an object equals its change in kinetic energy (Work-Energy Theorem).
Q3: What's the difference between kinetic and potential energy?
A: Kinetic energy is energy of motion, while potential energy is stored energy due to position or configuration.
Q4: Can kinetic energy be negative?
A: No, since both mass is always positive and velocity is squared, kinetic energy is always zero or positive.
Q5: How is kinetic energy used in real-world applications?
A: It's used in vehicle safety design, sports science, particle physics, and energy generation (e.g., wind turbines).