Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It is a form of energy that an object has because of its motion and mass. The kinetic energy of an object depends on its mass and its speed.

Formula for Kinetic Energy

The formula for calculating kinetic energy is:

KE = (1/2) * m * v²

Where:

• KE = kinetic energy (in joules)
• m = mass of the object (in kilograms)
• v = velocity of the object (in meters per second)

Unit of Kinetic Energy

The SI unit of kinetic energy is the joule (J).

Factors Affecting Kinetic Energy

The kinetic energy of an object depends on two factors:

1. Mass: The greater the mass of an object, the greater its kinetic energy, assuming the speed is constant.
2. Speed: The kinetic energy of an object increases with the square of its speed. This means that doubling the speed will quadruple the kinetic energy.

Applications of Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy is involved in various everyday activities and phenomena, such as:

• Running
• Cycling
• Driving a car
• Flying a plane
• Swinging a pendulum

Study Guide Questions

1. What is kinetic energy?
2. What is the formula for calculating kinetic energy?
3. How does mass affect the kinetic energy of an object?
4. How does speed affect the kinetic energy of an object?
5. What are some everyday examples of kinetic energy?