KE = 1/2 * m * v²
Where:
* KE is the kinetic energy, measured in Joules (J)
* m is the mass of the object, measured in kilograms (kg)
* v is the velocity of the object, measured in meters per second (m/s)
Key Points:
* Velocity matters: Kinetic energy depends on the square of the velocity. This means that doubling the velocity quadruples the kinetic energy.
* Mass matters: Kinetic energy also depends directly on the mass of the object. A heavier object moving at the same speed will have more kinetic energy than a lighter object.
Example:
A car with a mass of 1000 kg is traveling at 20 m/s. Calculate its kinetic energy.
Solution:
KE = 1/2 * 1000 kg * (20 m/s)²
KE = 500 kg * 400 m²/s²
KE = 200,000 J
Therefore, the car has a kinetic energy of 200,000 Joules.
