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.
The calculator uses the kinetic energy formula:
Where:
Explanation: The kinetic energy increases with the square of velocity, meaning doubling the velocity quadruples the kinetic energy, while doubling the mass only doubles the kinetic energy.
Details: Calculating kinetic energy is essential 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 valid (mass > 0, velocity ≥ 0).
Q1: What are the units of kinetic energy?
A: The SI unit for kinetic energy is Joules (J), where 1 J = 1 kg·m²/s².
Q2: Can kinetic energy be negative?
A: No, kinetic energy is always non-negative since mass is positive and velocity is squared.
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 rotational kinetic energy?
A: For rotating objects, kinetic energy is calculated as \( \frac{1}{2} I \omega^2 \), where I is moment of inertia and ω is angular velocity.
Q5: How is kinetic energy conserved in elastic collisions?
A: In perfectly elastic collisions, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved before and after the collision.