1. What is Kinetic Energy?

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, calculated using the formula \( KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the kinetic energy formula:

Where:

• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( v \) — Velocity of the object (m/s)
• \( KE \) — Kinetic energy (Joules)

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

3. Importance of Kinetic Energy Calculation

Details: Kinetic energy calculations are essential in physics, engineering, and various applications including vehicle safety design, sports science, and energy conservation studies.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. All values must be positive numbers.

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 J = 1 kg·m²/s².

Q2: How does mass affect kinetic energy?
A: Kinetic energy is directly proportional to mass - doubling the mass doubles the kinetic energy (when velocity remains constant).

Q3: Why is velocity squared in the formula?
A: Velocity is squared because kinetic energy depends on the square of velocity, making it more sensitive to changes in speed than changes in mass.

Q4: Can kinetic energy be negative?
A: No, kinetic energy is always positive or zero (when velocity is zero), as both mass and the square of velocity are non-negative.

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 in a force field.