Kinetic Energy
Kinetic Energy
\[E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2\]
Variables
Ek = kinetic energy (J)
m = mass (kg)
v = velocity (m/s)
Description
What is this formula?
The kinetic energy equation calculates the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. The energy increases with both mass and the square of velocity.
When to use it
Use this formula when analyzing moving vehicles, machinery, projectiles, collisions, or energy transfer in dynamic systems.
Example
A vehicle with mass 1200 kg moves at 20 m/s.
Data:
m = 1200 kg
v = 20 m/s
Formula:
Ek = 0.5*m*v²
Substitution:
Ek = 0.5*1200*20²
Result:
Ek = 240000 J
Applications
Automotive engineering, collision analysis, mechanical systems, aerospace engineering, industrial machinery, and physics education.
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