Kinetic Energy Calculator

Calculate kinetic energy using mass and velocity with the formula KE = ½mv²

Calculate Kinetic Energy

Mass of the object in motion

Speed of the object

Kinetic Energy Results

0.000e+0
J
Primary Result
0.000e+0
Joules (J)
SI Base Unit
Energy Level: Negligible
Very low energy

Formula used: KE = ½mv² = 0.5 × 0.000 kg × (0.000 m/s)²

Input values: Mass: 0.000 kg, Velocity: 0.000 m/s

Alternative units: 0.00 cal, 0.00 ft-lb

Velocity Impact Analysis

Example Calculations

Moving Car Example

Object: Car with mass of 1,500 kg

Velocity: 60 km/h (16.67 m/s)

Calculation: KE = ½ × 1,500 × (16.67)²

Result: KE = 208,361 J ≈ 208.4 kJ

Cricket Ball Example

Object: Cricket ball (165 g = 0.165 kg)

Velocity: 90 mph (40.23 m/s)

Calculation: KE = ½ × 0.165 × (40.23)²

Result: KE = 133.5 J

Bullet Example

Object: Bullet (5 g = 0.005 kg)

Velocity: 1,000 m/s

Calculation: KE = ½ × 0.005 × (1,000)²

Result: KE = 2,500 J

Types of Kinetic Energy

1

Translational

Motion in a straight line

KE = ½mv²

2

Rotational

Motion around an axis

KE = ½Iω²

3

Vibrational

Oscillatory motion

Back and forth motion

Physics Tips

Kinetic energy is always positive (or zero)

Energy increases with the square of velocity

Doubling speed quadruples kinetic energy

Related to momentum by KE = p²/(2m)

Understanding Kinetic Energy

What is Kinetic Energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. It represents the work needed to accelerate a body of a given mass from rest to its stated velocity. This fundamental concept in physics helps us understand how mass and velocity combine to create energy.

Key Properties

  • Always positive or zero (never negative)
  • Depends on reference frame
  • Scalar quantity (no direction)
  • Increases rapidly with velocity

Formula Explanation

KE = ½mv²

  • KE: Kinetic Energy (Joules)
  • m: Mass of the object (kg)
  • v: Velocity of the object (m/s)
  • ½: Constant factor from integration

Note: This formula applies to classical mechanics. For high speeds (near light speed), relativistic effects must be considered.

Work-Energy Theorem

The work-energy theorem states that the work done on an object equals the change in its kinetic energy: W = ΔKE = KE₂ - KE₁. This fundamental relationship connects force, displacement, and energy in classical mechanics.

Energy Conservation

In isolated systems, total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) remains constant.

Momentum Relation

Kinetic energy relates to momentum: KE = p²/(2m) where p is momentum.

Temperature Connection

Average kinetic energy of particles is proportional to absolute temperature.