1. What is Kinetic Energy?

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, making it a fundamental concept in physics and engineering.

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.

3. Importance of Kinetic Energy Calculation

Details: Calculating kinetic energy is essential in various fields including physics, engineering, automotive safety, sports science, and energy conservation studies.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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 increases with the square of velocity, meaning doubling the velocity quadruples the kinetic energy.

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

Q4: How does mass affect kinetic energy?
A: Kinetic energy is directly proportional to mass - doubling the mass doubles the kinetic energy (assuming constant velocity).

Q5: What's 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.