Home
Back
Kinetic Energy Formula:
| From: | To: |
Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. It represents the work needed to accelerate an object from rest to its current velocity and is a fundamental concept in classical mechanics.
The calculator uses the kinetic energy formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows that kinetic energy is directly proportional to the mass of the object and proportional to the square of its velocity. This means doubling the velocity quadruples the kinetic energy.
Details: Kinetic energy calculations are essential in physics, engineering, and various practical applications including vehicle safety design, sports science, energy conservation analysis, and understanding collision dynamics.
Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the kinetic energy in Joules.
Q1: What are the units for kinetic energy?
A: The SI unit for kinetic energy is Joules (J), where 1 Joule = 1 kg·m²/s².
Q2: How does mass affect kinetic energy?
A: Kinetic energy is directly proportional to mass - doubling the mass doubles the kinetic energy, assuming constant velocity.
Q3: Why is velocity squared in the formula?
A: Velocity is squared because the work done to accelerate an object increases with both the force applied and the distance over which it's applied, both of which depend on velocity.
Q4: Can kinetic energy be negative?
A: No, kinetic energy is always positive or zero (when velocity is zero), since both mass and the square of velocity are always non-negative.
Q5: 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 (like gravitational or spring energy).