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

3. Importance of Kinetic Energy Calculation

Details: Calculating kinetic energy is essential in various fields including automotive safety, sports science, engineering design, and understanding energy conservation in physical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive (mass > 0, velocity ≥ 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the units of kinetic energy?
A: The SI unit for kinetic energy is joules (J), where 1 joule = 1 kg·m²/s².

Q2: How does velocity affect kinetic energy?
A: Kinetic energy increases with the square of velocity, so small changes in velocity result in large changes in kinetic energy.

Q3: 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.

Q4: 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.

Q5: How is kinetic energy used in real-world applications?
A: It's used in vehicle crash testing, designing safety equipment, calculating stopping distances, and analyzing sports performance.