Kinetic Energy Calculator
Calculate the energy of motion using Mass and Velocity.
Kinetic Energy (KE) is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It depends on two things: how heavy the object is (mass) and, more importantly, how fast it is moving (velocity). Because velocity is squared in the equation (KE = ½mv²), doubling your speed quadruples your energy—a critical concept in car safety and ballistics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Energy in Motion
1. The Joules Unit
The standard unit of energy is the Joule (J).
1 Joule = 1 kg·m²/s².
It represents the work done by a force of one Newton when its point of application moves one meter.
2. The Danger of Speed
Why are high-speed car accidents so much more destructive? It's the variable squared in the formula.
- Car at 20 m/s: KE = 0.5 * m * 400
- Car at 40 m/s: KE = 0.5 * m * 1600
Doubling the speed results in 4 times the destructive energy. Tripling the speed results in 9 times the energy!
3. Potential vs. Kinetic
Energy is never lost, only converted. When you throw a ball up:
1. Start: Maximum Kinetic Energy (fastest).
2. Top: Zero Kinetic Energy (momentarily stops), Maximum Potential Energy (height).
3. Fall: Potential converts back to Kinetic.