1. What is Kinetic Energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. It is a scalar quantity measured in joules (J) and depends on both the mass and velocity of the object.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the kinetic energy formula:

Where:

• \( KE \) — Kinetic Energy (joules, J)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kilograms, kg)
• \( v \) — Velocity of the object (meters per second, m/s)

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, automotive safety, sports science, and understanding energy conservation in mechanical 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 SI units for kinetic energy?
A: The SI unit for kinetic energy is the joule (J), where 1 J = 1 kg·m²/s².

Q2: 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.

Q3: What happens to kinetic energy when velocity doubles?
A: Kinetic energy increases by a factor of four when velocity doubles, since KE is proportional to v².

Q4: Can kinetic energy be negative?
A: No, kinetic energy is always non-negative since both mass and velocity squared are always positive or zero.

Q5: How is kinetic energy used in real-world applications?
A: Kinetic energy principles are used in vehicle crash testing, roller coaster design, ballistics, renewable energy systems, and sports equipment design.