Kinetic energy is a fundamental concept in physics that helps us understand the energy of moving objects. Let’s learn the definition of kinetic energy and two real-world examples to illustrate its significance.
Define Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. It depends on both an object’s mass (m) and its velocity (v) and is calculated using the formula:
Kinetic Energy (KE) = ½ ⨰ mass (m) ⨰ velocity (v)2.
Examples of Kinetic Energy
- A Moving Car: Imagine a car cruising down the highway. The car’s mass and velocity combine to give it kinetic energy. The faster it goes or the heavier it is, the more kinetic energy it possesses.
- Swinging Pendulum: A pendulum in motion also exhibits kinetic energy. As it swings back and forth, its mass and velocity determine the amount of kinetic energy it carries.