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Kinetic Energy Formula:
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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, and represents the work needed to accelerate the object from rest to its current velocity.
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 fundamental in physics, engineering, and various applications including vehicle safety design, sports science, mechanical engineering, and understanding energy conservation in physical systems.
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: Why is velocity squared in the formula?
A: Velocity is squared because kinetic energy depends on the square of velocity - this reflects how energy increases dramatically with speed.
Q3: Can kinetic energy be negative?
A: No, kinetic energy is always positive or zero. It represents the energy of motion, and both mass and velocity squared are always positive values.
Q4: What is the relationship between kinetic energy and momentum?
A: While both relate to motion, kinetic energy is a scalar quantity (energy) while momentum is a vector quantity. Kinetic energy depends on velocity squared, while momentum depends on velocity directly.
Q5: How does kinetic energy relate to work?
A: The work-energy theorem states that the net work done on an object equals its change in kinetic energy. Work transfers energy to or from an object, changing its kinetic energy.