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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 is a scalar quantity that depends on both the mass and velocity of the object, representing 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 proportional to the mass of the object and proportional to the square of its velocity. This means that doubling the velocity quadruples the kinetic energy.
Details: Calculating kinetic energy is fundamental in physics and engineering for understanding motion, collisions, energy conservation, and designing safety systems in vehicles and machinery.
Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive (mass > 0, velocity ≥ 0). The calculator will compute the kinetic energy in Joules.
Q1: What are the units of kinetic energy?
A: In the SI system, kinetic energy is measured in Joules (J). 1 Joule equals 1 kg·m²/s².
Q2: 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.
Q3: 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.
Q4: What is 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.
Q5: Why is velocity squared in the formula?
A: Velocity is squared because the energy required to accelerate an object increases with the square of its final velocity, as derived from Newton's laws of motion.