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Kinetic energy (KE) is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion, calculated as \( KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 \). Momentum (p) is the product of an object's mass and velocity, calculated as \( p = m v \). Both are fundamental concepts in physics describing motion.
The calculator uses the physics equations:
Where:
Explanation: These equations show the relationship between mass, velocity, and the resulting kinetic energy and momentum of a moving object.
Details: Kinetic energy represents the work needed to accelerate an object, while momentum represents the quantity of motion. Both are conserved in closed systems and are essential for understanding collisions, motion, and energy transfer.
Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers (mass > 0, velocity ≥ 0).
Q1: What's the difference between kinetic energy and momentum?
A: Kinetic energy is a scalar quantity representing energy of motion, while momentum is a vector quantity representing the product of mass and velocity.
Q2: Are these equations applicable to all objects?
A: These classical mechanics equations apply to non-relativistic speeds (much less than speed of light) for macroscopic objects.
Q3: How does mass affect kinetic energy and momentum?
A: Both are directly proportional to mass. Kinetic energy increases with the square of velocity, while momentum increases linearly with velocity.
Q4: What are typical units for these calculations?
A: Mass in kg, velocity in m/s, kinetic energy in joules (J), and momentum in kg·m/s.
Q5: Can these values be negative?
A: Kinetic energy is always non-negative. Momentum can be negative when direction is considered, but this calculator provides magnitude.