Kinetic Energy Calculator with Steps
Understanding kinetic energy is fundamental in physics, describing the energy an object possesses due to its motion. This calculator helps you determine the kinetic energy of an object, providing a step-by-step breakdown of the calculation process.
What is Kinetic Energy?
Kinetic energy is a form of energy that an object or particle has by reason of its motion. It is directly proportional to the mass of the object and to the square of its velocity. The standard unit for kinetic energy in the International System of Units (SI) is the Joule (J).
The Formula
The formula for kinetic energy (KE) is:
KE = 0.5 * m * v2
- KE is the Kinetic Energy (measured in Joules)
- m is the mass of the object (measured in kilograms)
- v is the velocity of the object (measured in meters per second)
How to Use This Calculator
Simply enter the mass of the object in kilograms and its velocity in meters per second into the respective fields. Click "Calculate Kinetic Energy" to see the result and the detailed steps involved in arriving at that answer.
Result:
Calculation Steps:
Examples of Kinetic Energy
- A moving car: A 1500 kg car traveling at 20 m/s (approx. 72 km/h) has a significant amount of kinetic energy.
- A thrown baseball: A 0.145 kg baseball thrown at 40 m/s (approx. 144 km/h) also possesses kinetic energy, which is transferred upon impact.
- A falling apple: As an apple falls, its velocity increases, and thus its kinetic energy increases until it hits the ground.
This calculator provides a clear way to understand how mass and velocity contribute to an object's kinetic energy, making the physics concept more accessible.
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