1. What is Kinetic Energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. It is a scalar quantity that depends on both the mass and velocity of the object. The faster an object moves and the more mass it has, the greater its kinetic energy.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the kinetic energy formula:

Where:

• \( KE \) — Kinetic energy (joules)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kilograms)
• \( v \) — Velocity of the object (meters per second)

Explanation: The formula shows that kinetic energy is proportional to the mass of the object and proportional to the square of its velocity. This means velocity has a greater impact on kinetic energy than mass.

3. Importance of Kinetic Energy Calculation

Details: Kinetic energy calculations are fundamental in physics and engineering for understanding motion, collisions, energy conservation, and designing safety systems in vehicles and machinery.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive (mass > 0, velocity ≥ 0). The result will be displayed in joules (J).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the SI units for kinetic energy?
A: The SI unit for kinetic energy is the joule (J), where 1 J = 1 kg·m²/s².

Q2: Why is velocity squared in the formula?
A: Velocity is squared because kinetic energy depends on the square of the speed - doubling the velocity quadruples the kinetic energy.

Q3: Can kinetic energy be negative?
A: No, kinetic energy is always non-negative since both mass and the square of velocity are always positive or zero.

Q4: What is the relationship between kinetic energy and work?
A: The work-energy theorem states that the net work done on an object equals its change in kinetic energy.

Q5: How does kinetic energy relate to potential energy?
A: In conservative systems, kinetic energy can be converted to potential energy and vice versa, with the total mechanical energy remaining constant.