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. The faster an object moves and the more mass it has, the greater its kinetic energy.

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 kinetic energy increases with the square of velocity, meaning doubling the speed quadruples the kinetic energy. It is directly proportional to mass.

3. Importance of Kinetic Energy Calculation

Details: Kinetic energy calculations are essential in physics, engineering, automotive safety, sports science, and many other fields. It helps determine stopping distances, impact forces, and energy requirements for various applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the kinetic energy in Joules.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the units for kinetic energy?
A: The SI unit for kinetic energy is Joules (J). 1 Joule equals 1 kg·m²/s².

Q2: 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.

Q3: How does kinetic energy relate to work?
A: The work-energy theorem states that the net work done on an object equals its change in kinetic energy.

Q4: What is 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: Is kinetic energy conserved in collisions?
A: Kinetic energy is conserved only in perfectly elastic collisions. In inelastic collisions, some kinetic energy is converted to other forms of energy.